The best part about using a 3D model to plan a construction project is that it fits in the space where you need it. The second best part is while it takes a bit more time to measure, plan, and adjust there are fewer leftover parts to return to the hardware store in the end.

And the third best part is the whole “adjust” part is made much, much easier. That comes in handy, no matter how much measuring and re-measuring you do.

There is a saying in the military about how every plan survives until first contact with the enemy. That is to say: plans are great but reality tends to be much harder. The original design of the wall took for granted things like a flat patio space for a base. Because very little in New York City – particularly anything considered “pre-war” construction – is anything close to flat, certain adjustments were needed the moment the drill was charged. For the support beams to be vertical, they had to sit in unseen dips in the concrete which added just enough space between the posts to become a problem. A random cylinder (maybe an old outdoor heater or some sort of generator?) jutted into the space I’d forgotten to plan, so everything needed to shift and accommodate. When you also find that most 2×4 wooden beams are not completely straight, the overall adjustments start to rack up.

Tinkercad is a life-saver with its online and easily modified format. Every night – and sometimes just during a break – I would come in and tweak the lengths or the placements, re-measuring where items lay. I added stabilizing “shelves” on the sides and trimmed back the roof to let in more light while reducing pressure on the outer posts. I shifted placement of the rear posts to avoid a damaged section of concrete, and still was able to construct the entire project without need for additional wood.

I’ve now made multiple climbs on my new bouldering wall, enough to test and tighten the holds, determine where some starter routes might go, and plan for the first expansion. I can use the same model, having kept it up-to-date with how reality changed the design, and if I want I can even use this model for route planning.

3D design has a lot of practical application, even when you aren’t printing objects. What will be your first project?