Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Sep 28, 2004 05:44pm | #1

   There was a similar discussion just last week on this topic (cutting wide radius curves).  You might try searching for the thread. 

   My approach is to calculate the curve, marking the offset from a tangent every 2-5cm, then connecting the points and cutting/planing to the curve.  Good for radii of 4-40 feet, or any curve that can be calculated.

   Paul

2. 
   tcalisto | Sep 28, 2004 09:47pm | #2

   Reepenstien,

   I have a few battens that I use for this purpose that have strings tied on their ends. I tension the strings to get the curve that I want and then lay "the bow" on the stock and trace the curve. A few words on batten stock: use only straight grained stock and use the thickest batten that will take the curve you need to produce the fairest curves

   Good luck,

   Tom

3. 
   SCFrankland | Sep 29, 2004 08:12pm | #3

   Lee Valley has a Drawing Bow that works very well. The link is below.

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=44631&category=1,42936,50298&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=

   Scott C. Frankland

   Scott's WOODWORKING Website

   "He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."

1. 
   SWW | Sep 30, 2004 07:34pm | #4

   FYI, using a batten will not give you a circular arc but a what is called a "natural spline". Over short distances, a spline is nearly circular. For some designs, the spline is more pleasing - it kind of eases into and out of the bend. But, if you need a circlar arc, you must use a different approach.

1. 
   SCFrankland | Sep 30, 2004 08:14pm | #5

   I find the easiest way to draw inconsistent radius curves is to first layout a grid to scale and then mark the depth and width of the curve and then mark the intersection points on the remainder of the grid. Then all I have to do is connect all the intersection points and I have the curve I am after.

   For perfect radius curves I use a trammel made to size for the radius I am about to draw.

   I don't use battens often as I find that they are only good for shallow curves and I will usually draw a template out of 1/8" or 1/4" plywood if the curve has to be repeated more than once.

   Scott C. Frankland

   Scott's WOODWORKING Website"He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."

1. 
   bravo659 | Oct 01, 2004 12:19pm | #6

   Hey what happened to the pictures? LOL

1. 
   SCFrankland | Oct 01, 2004 02:33pm | #7

   I was updating the site when the server crashed. I will have them up some time today hopefully.Scott C. Frankland

   Scott's WOODWORKING Website"He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."

4. 
   DennisS | Oct 02, 2004 06:12am | #8

   Reep -

   Don't know how big the radius is you need to draw but I simply take a thin rip of 1" or so wide material, run a drywall screw through to where the point sticks out the other side enough to stay put in the work piece, then drill a hole out on the stick at the desired distance then stick a pencil in the hole and draw away like using a huge beam compass.

   Just one way to go about it.

   You could get fancy and make a little traveling piece to fit on the stick so the radius is adjustable.

   ...........

   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.

   Dennis