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25 July 2011

Grid Method - Transferring Refined Coaster Patterns onto an Acrylic Workpiece.


Using the Grid Method to Transfer Refined Concept on Acrylic Workpiece

How to use the Grid Method:

1) Draw grids on your original pattern. Add in grid numbers (see the image below) if that makes it easier for you. For more complicated patterns a 5X5 grid may be needed. The above example has a 4 X 4 grid drawn.
2) On your acrylic workpiece, draw the same number of grids on one side.
3) Locate the intersection of your drawn lines with the grid lines with 'X'.
4) Note the location and distances of the 'X' on the grid line and proceed to mark an 'X' on your workpiece.
5) Finally, join the lines or curves up. The pattern on your workpiece should look more or less identical to the one you have drawn on paper. If not, somewhere might have gone wrong. It happens. =)

Note: The smaller your grids, the more accurate your transfer can be. But slightly more work.

This is also an example of transferring the coaster pattern using the Grid method. Notice there are measurements everywhere. These measurements are distances from the centre of the circles to the perpendicular edges of the working material.

These measurements are useful for two reasons:
1) They are used to locate the centre of the circles which you can use a compass to draw a circle later on, or
2) for you to mark an 'X' where you need to drill or bore a hole.

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