Posted by Glenn on January 21, 1999 at 20:19:30:
In Reply to: Confusion over plans posted by Bill on January 20, 1999 at 19:05:19:
: I recently purchased plans for a small pram from a pretty well known designer. The "full size" patterns
: are drawn with the seats, bow and transom patterns on one page and then the sides and bottom on another page.The patterns are nested, I guess that this is the correct nomeclature for these patterns where six or seven patterns are over lapped onto each other and you have to figure out how to mentally unfold them onto plywood. Only for the starboard side of the frames are shown. You will somehow have to draw the port side as a mirror images. There are very limited instructions and I am pretty disgusted with the whole deal. Does Glen-L offer plans that are useable for a novice builder? Any sample full scale patterns available?
Bill,
I have found the easiest way to transfer the patterns to your wood is by using carbon paper. You do not need to cut the patterns out, in fact you can't because of the overlaps. Pick one of the pieces you want to make, place the carbon paper on the wood, place the pattern on top of that and trace it out. ( I find that a paper stapler holds the patterns down nicely. ) Then repeat the process for the rest of the pieces. Now to make a pattern when you only have one side, in your case the starboard. Do the same as before but use two pieces of carbon paper, one facing up and one facing down. When you trace your pattern it will transfer that pattern to the back side of the pattern. Now just flip the pattern over, line up the center line and trace the pattern. It is very important that the pattern be placed on the center line exactly.
Good Luck,
Glenn...