Transferring Patterns

[Travis]

Howdy all.
One of the goals I set for myself (and SSV) is to write a number of articles geared toward the newbie.  These would be basic skills & information to those new to the world of scroll sawing.  I'm even kicking around the idea of shooting some videos demonstrating these skills/info.

At any rate, the first one I'd like to do is about transferring patterns to your project.  There are a ton of different methods and we all have our favorite.  Some people have some really clever ways of doing stuff that we wouldn't normally think of.  I'd like to hear about them.  So, this is where I need your help. 

 

1. List as many ways you can think of for transferring patterns to your project? 
2. Which is your favorite and why?

Thanks for your help!

[rjR]

 

I do the standard-- computer print-- tape down etc. ONCE--

 

I am also perfectly willing to modify the pattern for various reasons-- before with a marker over the top; and even while cutting them if I see something I want to change.

 

If it a pattern that I intend to make more of -- I use the packing tape and tape a thin piece of backer stock of some kind to it. I then end up with a template -- as I cut the wanted item.  

 

When making more or --stack cutting; tape the blanks together -- or your preferred method of holding them together.

 

I now just clear tape over where any cuts are going to be.

 

Now the previously made template is clamped-held in place and just drawn around.

 

I use permanent red markers ( for more precise work use the fineline ones and trace around  with more care) for an easy to see line. Remove clamp and cut.

 

I have also just used a contrasting paint spray over a template.(usually primer) -- if I was just preparing future work.

 

I have been making templates as I have drawn up my holiday items.   Some are very thin plywwood, some a thicker (1/16) or so semi-rigid plastic, some are hardboard(masonite)  If you have lots of it --even thin metal can be used.  I have even used the tops from icecream buckets. The cardboard ones just don't last as well and are harder to use. I used to make them from cereal boxes etc.

 

People with extremely good eyesight can also just draw with a stylus using heavy pressure directly on to the wood; and follow the slight indentations.

 

Hope this helps some "newbie" --- I will share patterns if someone wants.  Just email  and ask! Use woodwork,pattern, or some similar subject -- I dump strange emails witout sensible subject lines!

Edited October 24, 2013 by rjR

[TXScrollsawartist]

This works for simple designs like ornaments, etc. Make a copy of the design using the darkest setting on the copier. Transfer the pattern by ironing the design to the wood.

 

Sounds strange but it works.

[Jim Finn]

I glue printed pattern to 1/8"  Masonite, then stack cut with it on top.  I use this top Masonite piece as a pattern that I just use with a pencil to put the image on future projects.  I use this for simple inlay patterns and letter cutting.  I do not do fretwork.  For inlay patterns that have interior lines I put the pattern on the wood using a printed pattern and carbon paper. 

[Clayton717]

I just print out the pattern and use spray glue to attach to the wood (for fretwork) - for intarsia I spray glue the pattern to posterboard, cut out the pieces and use the posterboard pieces to trace the pattern onto the wood. this way I can use them over and over without having to reprint the large pattern.

[wombatie]

I print out the pattern and then I adjust it to the size that I want.  I am very fortunate because I have a photocopier, so that allows me to mess around with the sizes. 

 

Now if its a large pattern to cut I use painters tape on to the wood I'm going to use and then spray both the pattern and the tape so that it sticks good and I know it will stay there for as long as I want it too.

 

If its a small pattern I either put painters tape on the wood and then use a glue stick to stick it down or recently I purchased a roll of Scroll Saw Tape/Adhesive which I find very good. You can get it from,  www.scrolleronline.com

 

Marg

[Kepy]

For simple shapes that I will be repeating, I also make templates (got some used plastic signs from HD).  Have used 1/8" masonite or thin plywood.  Found this works better than cardboard as it tends to fray around the edges over time.  For more intricate patterns, I apply blue painters tape then glue the pattern (do not like the purple).  If cutting a hard wood or stack will apply clear tape over the top to help prevent burning.  If I want to combine patterns or put figures together (like initials), I use a light box that I made.

[Barry5180]

I have always been successful printing out the pattern and attaching it to the wood using spray adhesive. When it comes time to remove the pattern, I usually use some mineral spirits with a foam brush to really soak the pattern down and then after about 2 minutes or so the pattern comes right off.

 

Barry

[Gary Beasley]

I have photoshop so i can manipulate the scale and ratios to any pattern to fit the wood I have available. When I print the patterns and spray glue them I let the glue dry down to a good tacky surface before application and this helps release the pattern easier when cleaning it up.