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I'm working on a Bed frame project for my oldest daughter, and wanted to draw a really large arc across the top piece. Normally, I am able to plot out a few points and draw it freehand, but this piece required a 70" long arc that would only take off 1.5" at its highest point, so I knew I needed some help. After a quick YouTube search I found this remarkable video:



I tried to follow along with the instructions, but realized quickly the nail trick would have to be modified because it split the wood (pic 2). I used a few extra scrap pieces of plywood and mounted them to the edge grain of the piece I was drawing the arc on (pic 3, corners; pic 4, lower left).

After a failed first attempt (I forgot to keep one edge parallel to the edge of the piece) I was able to successfully transfer the large arc. The last pic shows the only downside of edge mounting a the contact points, as the pencil thickness causes a little disruption at the end of the arc. At least I was able to successfully fix this by lightly sketching it in freehand.

The First picture shows this fixture folded up and ready for storage.

I just re-read this post and realized how difficult it is to explain in written word, and the arc is so long that pictures don't really work either. My advice would be to watch the video for better explanation or search "Large Arc Drawn on Wood" and find another similar video.

Sorry I'm not better at explaining this . haha.

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I'm Always in the mood for some good jigs
 

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And this is why I like straight lines and angles :)
 

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Nice easy way to make the arc! .

I guess I do it the hard way. I take a long board and putt a nail in one end and a pencil in the other and draw it. I draw them on card board and cut them out for future use. I have them from 25" to over 125". They sure come in handy for make an arc right where I need it.

Cheers, Jim
 

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Great job buddy. I've always found a needle, string and pencil worked really quick and easy for larg arks.
 

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When you do things you never did before it a great accomplishment. Good to see you fixed that problem. I'm with Jim,I guess I always do it the hard way.
 

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This is good info Tooch! I see that Kiefer was on it 8 year ago (I'm not surprised).
I'm not sure what I was doing back then but I could have used this when I built our fire place mantel.
.
 

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