Thread: Curves - any learning resources?

I don't know of any resources other than practice, set of these are a big help French Curves; Curves

If you're interested to create elliptical shapes, YouTube has some great stuff on how to create a simple tool for doing so

Ive been drawing curves for years, all throughout my trade. The best way is drawing intersecting points, (2 lines) for each transition point of the curve with a height gauge or combination square. Drawing dots I feel you loose the reference. And with I did, make vanes for impellers, the more intersection points the better. To form the curve, depends on the size of the radius's and the tool your using. I use 1mm thick clear plastic ruler or clock spring (never used one). I place the ruler at the first intersection point and bend the ruler to the other point and so on and so forth. It should be noted that once your happy with the curve. You will need someone to help trace around the ruler.


You can experience the pain buying a tool once. Or you can suffer the pain everytime you use the tool.

Depending as to the finished ariticle I use paint tins and jam tins and just slide them around to get a pleasing to the eye shape. Then make a template to use a router against then you can do as many duplicates as you wish. The thickness of the template needs to be such that a collar on the bottom of the router won't rub on the part being routed.

To transfer curves from a complex starting shape and and even to form curves from scratch I make extensive use of these simple flexi curve gizmos
12358.JPG
CURVE FLEXI LINEX 90CM - Jacksons Drawing Supplies
Or you can get them on eBay a bit cheaper

I use a computer program that supports bezier curves.

then when I'm happy I either print a 1:1 copy -- the PC program I use supports poser printing (multiple A4 sheets that can be joined together.)

or I use these
Lee Valley Drawing Bows - Lee Valley Tools
Blending Curves - Lee Valley Tools
Flexible Curves - Lee Valley Tools

I try and keep things as simple as possible, and as China has alluded to, French Curves would be my go to template for curves.

Wooden or aluminium batten.

Rhino computer program.


Cheers

Graeme

Hi clinton,
I don't think we really answered your request

Originally Posted by Clinton1

I want to be able to draw complicated curves.
This is for drawing out wood work projects.

Does anyone know of some learning resources that may be out there?

We suggested ways to draw neat curves, but not ways to decide on what curve to use.

pencil and paper is good.
I try and keep a note pad or book with copies of interesting shapes I've come across.

learning to sketch in either isotopic or orthogonal projection is good. In this vein, I find Sketch-up a complete waste of time as it's just too hard to play with different iterations of a curve or tweak a dimension. You really need a proper drawing program -- I use CorelDraw. Adobe Illustrator is an equivalent.

Other resources
George R. Walker and Jim Tolpin's By hand and Eye and the companion By Hound and Eye both from Lost Art Press are excellent. Maybe a bit heavy as a single read, but invaluable as a resource for developing your eye and sketching skills.


as I said, pencil and paper is good.
as is a decent computer drawing program. a few years ago I designed a demilune table. I went through about 20 iterations of the curved shape before I found one I was happy with. The process was draw and compare, refine and compare till I found one the one I was most happy with.

I still don't know if the question has been answered....

Are you trying to duplicate a curve?

Are you trying to design an unseen curve?

Another form of curve is called a cattenerary. This is a curve where the radius of curvature is constantly changing in a smooth transition. It is the shape you get between two high tension power cables for example. These are best crated with a length of bath chain. Assymetric curves are created by tilting the ends. I usually create a template in ply and mark out with a spray can (at a good distance so as not to blow the chain around) . examples can be found in recent posts by me in "pictures" of a book stand where all the major curves are cattenerary.
Hope this helps just a little.
Jacko

Hi Clinton,

I have tried (almost) everything in the physical world to do this in a satisfactory and repeatable manner that I felt that I had the skills to accomplish without external aids.

I have given them all up. This is how I do it now:

1. Draw in real world dimensions using Sketchup the curve/drawing I want.

2. Cut and paste the elevation of that drawing in to Bigprint (from Matthias Wandel) and print that directly on to paper on my laser printer. Bigprint is the best $22USD you may ever spend!

3. Paste the paper template either directly to my work piece or to a MDF/plywood piece that is to be my template.

4. Cut out on the bandsaw.

5. Sand and/or plane to the line.

6. The end.

It would be easier if we knew what size you're looking at doing, A4, A3, 1200 X 600 as an example. For large pieces I use the type of plastic strip that is on flooring sheets, or that sparky's use to run wires up and down walls. I put a few brads in where I think they need be, then put the strip in place adjusting where required, till I'm happy with the design. For smaller stuff I use a compass and pencil or as someone else suggested different sized cans, sometimes I'll also use curtain spring wire, as for large sheets.
Kryn

Does anyone here know Clinton personally?

he hasn't been on the Forums since posting his question. I just hope he's alright.