Replies

1. 
   daverichards | Mar 04, 2008 02:55pm | #1

   Is there an image someplace you could point me to? I don't think I am totally understanding what you're after and unfortunately, I don't have a copy of the materials you are referencing.

1. 
   kenrosenberg1 | Mar 04, 2008 03:58pm | #2

   I only have this old magazine, but to give you an idea, I have attached a photo of a chest done by the same cabinetmaker with a simpler cutout in the base.  Even this simple pattern is difficult for me, without drafting tools or skills.  Any advice?  Thanks.

   
1. 
   daverichards | Mar 04, 2008 04:12pm | #3

   So, you're looking for a way to lay this out on the work? My inclination would be to make a template from a bit of hardboard (Masonite). This could then be flopped to make the opposite end and at least make the curves the same. You could use a compass to make the arc or trace around an appropriately sized can of soup or whatever you can find that is round. Then cut near the line and clean up to the line.

   Since the wood you want to keep is on the outside of the curve, I'd make the template to the same side of the line. If you make the template so you can get clamps on it, you could use it as a guide for a router.

   I guess I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't also suggest that you could lay out the arc or arcs using a drawing program like SketchUp. Then print at 1:1 to make a full-sized template. Glue the paper to the Masonite and cut it out.

   Does that help?

1. 
   kenrosenberg1 | Mar 04, 2008 04:43pm | #4

   That is helpful, although it is the laying out of the curves that is the difficult part.  I have just downloaded Sketchup and am attempting to learn to use it.  I am hoping that will allow me to "draw" curves and fine-tune them, and once I am satisfied, print the design I want and transfer to the workpiece.  Thanks!

1. 
   daverichards | Mar 04, 2008 05:20pm | #5

   SketchUp will work fine for that. Take a look through the Design. Click. Build. blog here on FWW. Before you get too far into things, download and install either my template or Tim Killen's from this blog post. They'll be easier to use than the templates included with the program.

   Keep in mind that SketchUp approximates curves with short line segments. While you are learning, leave the segment count at the default settings. When you are ready to do something more final for your pattern, increase the segment count to get smoother curves. FOr most things there's no need to increase the segment counts for arcs and circle (and increasing segment counts increases file size.) but when you're going to make a life size pattern, you'll want that increased smoothness.

   Let me know if you have any questions. E-mail me directly if you wish.

   Dave

2. 
   kenrosenberg1 | Mar 06, 2008 02:22am | #7

   Hello Dave, I have looked at the Click, Design, Build blog.  It seems that the course in Sketchup for woodworkers is what I need to take, but only the outline of the course is provided on the blog.  Can you suggest how to get up to speed?  How about the tutorials that are an included in Sketchup?  This looks like it is going to take many hours ....

   Thanks, Ken Rosenberg

3. 
   daverichards | Mar 06, 2008 03:07am | #8

   Hi Ken,

   the outline on the blog is for Tim Killen's course. I haven't taken his course because he's in California and I'm in Minnesota. (although right now I'd be happy to trade places with him. :))

   I think the video tutorials on the SketchUp site are a good place to start. They'll give you some ideas about the basics of drawing in SketchUp. They aren't oriented toward drawing woodworking sorts of things but they'll show you the basics. My video clips on the blog will give you more woodworking based drawing methods. Tim's posts on the blog will show you application and some valuable technique.

   I doubt you'll become an expert overnight but with some patience, I think you'll get the hang of it fairly quickly. Don't try to draw real complex stuff at first. Just keep it basic and build up your skills. Get familiar with the help files and feel free to ask questions. If you wish, e-mail me directly and I'll see if I can help.

   Dave

4. 
   Bugsy | Dec 09, 2008 03:44am | #9

   Dave,

   I read your reply to Ken but could not find the question. I just downloaded Sketchup and I am trying to figure out how to use it. I have windows vista and the help section and tutorial will not connect to the website. I searched to internet nad found one page off basic push pull, orbit, pan and point with a pencil all the others where very complicated such as 3d rendering and constructiong buildings. Could you direct me to a site that stars from the beginning and would you suggest that i buy the book Sketchup for Dummies,

   Thank you for your time, Rusty

2. 
   jvk | Mar 04, 2008 11:25pm | #6

   Take a scrap piece of 1/4" ply or mdf.  Lay it out to the height you want from the floor up and how far in.  Use a tin can and connect the points, cut it out and use as a template.

   trimjim