Transferring Full Size Plans for Pattern
I’ve made a full size pattern for a piece, and some of the components are fairly complicated shapes. In the past for small jobs, I simply cut out the plan and stick it on MDF and use the bandsaw and pattern making rasps for final. I’ve also used an awl and overlaid the plans and punched small holes into the MDF for the outline of the piece. But this is a complicated and large full sized plan, and I don’t want to cut this rascal up or punch holes in it. The pieces are too big for carbon paper.
How do you guys (and gals) transfer full size plans onto MDF for patterns?
All I can come up with today is to trace the pieces onto a second sheet of paper and use spray adhesive or double stick tape to fix the traced sheet onto the MDF and bandsaw the rascal. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Scooter
“I may be drunk, but you’re crazy, and I’ll be sober tomorrow.” WC Fields, “Its a Gift” 1934
Replies
Scoot, A trick many sign painters use, is parchment paper which has been imprinted with the outline of the template.
They lay the "Blueprint" on a flat paperboard surface and using a tailor's star wheel, roll and prick tiny holes in the paper along the outline.
The tool looks like a small pizza cutter with points. This can be bought in a sewing store and comes in fine or coarse wheels.
A 'pounce' is made from a piece of soft muslin wrapped around a ping pong sized pile of powered chalk.and tied with a bit of string.
To transfer the outline, pounce along the markings (sort of like using a powder puff) and the chalk will pass through the little holes.
Once the outline 'dots' are on the workpiece, you might want to cover the marks with clear packing tape so you won't erase any markings while cutting it out . Steinmetz.
Edited 10/24/2005 1:52 am ET by Steinmetz
If you've already made the pattern on paper, as it sounds, why not just some spray adhesive and stick it to the MDF? The spray that graphic artists use comes apart like rubber cement after you cut.
DR
I've made copies of large plan sheets at Kinko's. They have self-service machines that can handle full-size blueprints, etc.
Thanks, guys.I don't want to wreck the graph paper with holes at this point, nor do I want to stick it on to the MDF at this point and wreck it with adhesive.I guess I could do either with a sacrifical plan made at Kiko's. Just glue in on, and bandsaw outside the line, and use a rasp, sandpaper, handplane to the finished line. Thanks, Gene.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
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