I have tried several methods of transferring from plans to the wood, I used to use carbon paper but my wife, a quilter showed me the quilters technique using freezer paper. Freezer paper has a dull and a glossy side. I tape the freezer paper to the plan and trace on the dull side of the paper, then I iron the freezer paper on to the wood. If the wood is smooth it sticks and I can then cut out the wood right through the paper. What I want to know is what is the best or tried and true way of transferring designs. Major Alex Hughes
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Replies
Alex,
That's a pretty interesting way your wife has. But the method in use for a long time has been to make templates out of masonite, plywood, or solid wood. I use 1/4" MDF to make up my patterns.
The advantage is that I can easily cut the shapes out and sand or spokeshave them to size. Working in thin stock makes this shaping quick. Then I can pencil mark out my shapes onto my good stock or using double stick tape attach the template in place for template routing. I can also use a template holding jig that uses quick action clamps to lock a template down onto a workpiece.
The final reasons for making up templates is that you can see your shapes, make adjustments as you need before committing to your good wood and if you do them right, you always have those templates around for the next project or for use as a idea starter. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Gary
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