Patterns/Jigs on graphing paper

[Charles Wilson]

Probably an easily answered question. Sorry.

When looking through magazines I have seen cutting patterns on a graph for some projects (ex - an arm pattern for an Adirondack Chair).

How do you graph these on your own? Where do you buy the paper? Are there different sizes (ex - some patterns say, "each square = 2 1/2 inches). What other tools are helpful for making a pattern?

Regards,
Chuck

[Carol Reed]

This is sort of a do it yourself task.

I tape the paper down to a flat surface where I have access to adjoining sides. Then I use a drafting T-square to strike off the lines. Butcher paper works great for this. Or the backside of gift wrap. Blank newsprint. Whatever you can get your hands on in the overall size you need.

FWIW, I once purchased 'large' graph paper in that is was 18 x 30 with 1/4" squares. Obscenely expensive as I recall. And wouldn't accommodate what you are wanting to do in any event.

[Jim Becker]

A tee-square, pencil and a ruler are your friends for drawing out the grid to the indicated scale.

[Andy Haney]

In the past I've:

drawn the grid lightly onto the wood;
sketched in the appropriate pattern;
cut the piece; and
sanded off the pencil marks.

Maybe your situation is different.

Andy