Drawing Large Shallow Curves
W
HENI WAS A BOATBUILDERwe used this shallow-curve draw-
ing method to set out the deck beams of yachts. The trick
works for drawing any such curve with a known rise and run.
You’ll need two nails and a “spile board.” Cut the spile board as
wide as the curve’s rise and taper the board on one end with the
length of the taper equal to the curve’s run. Notch the board at the
location shown above to catch a pencil point.
Drive one nail at point A and another at point B. With a pencil in
the notch and the spile board positioned as shown in the sketch, slide
the board toward the nail at A to draw the curve. Nail A can be
removed and driven in the other end to complete the curve. In our
situation, the method was used to make a template from which all the
shorter beams and carlings could be marked.
—ERNIEIVES,Sproughton,Ipswich, England
CHAPTER SIXSlideBAMove nail to other end and re-
verse board to complete curve.Pencil notch