Post by fobits on May 8, 2006 16:15:09 GMT -5
I've learned a lot in these forums, and perhaps I can pass along a useful tip that isn't well known hereabouts.
There is a handy tool that's useful for designing pickguards, guitar bodys, or almost anything with curves. It doesn't cost very much and doesn't require a drafting course to learn how to use it.
It's a flexible plastic ruler, square in cross-section. It can be bent into even a fairly sharp curve and it doesn't spring back. You can hold it down with two fingers, adjust the curve with your other hand and run a pencil along it.
Above is a photo of the ruler and a pickguard that I have just finished. I traced the top part from the original, then extended it by sketching freehand. When I laid the ruler over my curves, it was obvious that they had peaks and flat spots. It looked much better after going over it with the ruler.
Some peaks and flat spots have crept back into the plastic, but the drawing was good.
This isn't part of a drafting kit, and you won't find it at a music store. It's sold in the sewing departments of large department stores, and in stores that specialize in fabrics and sewing equipment. It's normal use is to draw patterns for sewing, and they have kept it a secret for themselves.
If it makes you feel better, you can say in a loud voice "My wife sent me to buy this thing."
There is a handy tool that's useful for designing pickguards, guitar bodys, or almost anything with curves. It doesn't cost very much and doesn't require a drafting course to learn how to use it.
It's a flexible plastic ruler, square in cross-section. It can be bent into even a fairly sharp curve and it doesn't spring back. You can hold it down with two fingers, adjust the curve with your other hand and run a pencil along it.
Above is a photo of the ruler and a pickguard that I have just finished. I traced the top part from the original, then extended it by sketching freehand. When I laid the ruler over my curves, it was obvious that they had peaks and flat spots. It looked much better after going over it with the ruler.
Some peaks and flat spots have crept back into the plastic, but the drawing was good.
This isn't part of a drafting kit, and you won't find it at a music store. It's sold in the sewing departments of large department stores, and in stores that specialize in fabrics and sewing equipment. It's normal use is to draw patterns for sewing, and they have kept it a secret for themselves.
If it makes you feel better, you can say in a loud voice "My wife sent me to buy this thing."
