Build schedulePhases + buffersDeadline-friendly
Project Timeline Estimator
Break your build into phases, factor daily work time, and include cure/dry buffers so you can promise realistic delivery dates and keep your shop calendar sane.
Fast workflow
- List phases (mill, cut, assembly, sand, finish, install).
- Enter realistic “touch time” per phase.
- Add waiting buffers (glue cure, finish dry).
- Set your daily work hours and get a schedule.
Tip: Add a small “oops buffer”. One wrong cut is basically a recurring subscription.
Project Timeline Estimator
Estimate how long your woodworking project will take by breaking it into key phases. Adjust steps and daily work hours for accurate planning.
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Total Project Hours:11.0 hrs
Estimated Duration:1.8 days
How to use
- Break the project into phases that match your real workflow.
- Enter hands-on time for each phase (cutting, sanding, assembly).
- Add non-working time (dry/cure/wait) where applicable.
- Set daily hours to see a realistic start-to-finish timeline.
Pro tips
- • Track “touch time” vs “wait time” separately. It makes schedules way more honest.
- • Batch similar steps (all milling, all sanding) to reduce setup overhead.
- • Finishing is usually the calendar killer. Add buffers even when you feel brave.
- • If it’s client work, add review/approval time for changes and feedback.
FAQs
Why does my “estimated hours” never match the calendar days?
Calendar time includes gaps: dry/cure windows, errands, tool setup, and context switching. A schedule that ignores those is basically fan-fiction.
What’s the best “buffer” percentage?
A common approach is 10–25% depending on complexity and finishing requirements. If it’s new territory, buffer more. Confidence is free; rework is expensive.