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Post by runningwolf on Jan 5, 2015 14:30:33 GMT
I was wondering if anyone has used the push pin/string/pencil method of making an arc. I don't thing the run of teh mill school compass will work for the curved tiles I want to make.
One of those deals where I know it will work.... just looking to see if anyone has some tips and tricks to make it better.
Like I have mentioned I am working on a DS9 campaign, the station is round. Half tempted to use straight tile runs (mentally trying to figure that the station is round (and big) but would be big enough that it might not matter all that much on a mini scale)
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Post by sgtslag on Jan 5, 2015 16:01:31 GMT
I successfully used two sharpened wooden pencils, with a piece of string, to make large circular blast area templates for an army men miniatures game. The circles were up to 25 inches in diameter (Howitzer HE blast template: rolled dice to see how many of the eligible figures/vehicles, within the blast area, were killed/destroyed). It worked very well, as long as I maintained pressure on the center pencil! I used colored poster board (art supply stores) to make several different-sized templates, then cut them out with utility scissors. It does work rather well.
Remember that your arc's center does not need to be on the paper. You can, in fact, place the center pin far from the paper you draw the arc upon. The paper just needs to be under the end of the string/arc, to receive the curve, and the paper is lined up properly. After you position the paper beneath the arc, tape it down with a tape which will peel off easily, without damaging it (draftman's tape will be the best -- check art supply stores for it; it looks like masking tape, but its glue is much more forgiving).
You could print out rooms on your PC, then glue them on top of the poster board. Otherwise, print them on full sheet label paper, cut to size, and adhere. Yet another method would be to use clear contact paper (translucent vinyl, actually), to secure them, while laminating them at the same time (allows use of wet-erase, overhead projector pens during the game -- Do NOT use dry-erase markers on clear contact paper, it won't come off, ever...). Cut the contact paper so that it is 1 inch larger, on all sides (1 inch overlap), than the paper, then peel and stick slowly, from a corner, pressing it down as you peel, to eliminate air bubbles. Takes a little practice, but it is quite simple, and easy. Cheers!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2015 19:37:59 GMT
I use a variatin, instead of string I used a piece of scrap foam core. Same idea, but I was more comfortable with the stiffnees of thefoamcore.
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Post by ashrothedm on Jan 5, 2015 19:52:08 GMT
I have used the string method. The best part of the string is that you can make any ellipsoid, not just circles.
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Post by wilmanric on Jan 7, 2015 3:41:56 GMT
I used the string method to make my Drow Temple. It works great.
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Post by DMNate on Jan 7, 2015 4:16:49 GMT
Absolutely! That's how construction crews get big curves. I don't think it would make a big difference at such small scales, but make sure the thing the string is connected to (the push pin, nail, etc.) can pivot, of the knot you use to tie it with can easily slide. If the string winds us around the center point you'll end up with a spiral instead of a circle.
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daveb
Paint Manipulator
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Post by daveb on Jan 7, 2015 5:12:45 GMT
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Post by runningwolf on Jan 7, 2015 18:06:23 GMT
That was the main advantage I was thinking about when using a string over a compass.... the way bigger arcs.
I am way lacking in talent to do it free hand.
Sorry crazy days since the first of the year. Back to work for two weeks, two job interviews this week, tire on car snapped off three lug nuts, exposure to and caught mutant strain A flu (Tamiflu to the rescue caught it early), and hopefully the echocardiogram is going to come back OK.
EDIT: Always better to check with people who have done it for tips and tricks than to fail, get disheartened and say screw it. Knowing that you don;t know everything is the first step to wisdom and improving yourself.
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Post by Sleepy Hollow Mike on May 8, 2015 1:04:02 GMT
I use a yard stick with holes drilled in it at varying intervals. Just put the pencil in what ever radius I am looking for. It takes up more room than a string but then again I cant chase my cat around with a string he would only want to play lololoolol
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Post by troutgames on Jul 8, 2015 19:29:54 GMT
I wonder if there would be any way to attach the cutting tool to the end of the yard stick. As long as the pivot was good and stationary, it might be possible.
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rengar
Cardboard Collector
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Post by rengar on Mar 2, 2016 15:43:47 GMT
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Post by margaret on Mar 2, 2016 16:45:41 GMT
I have used all of these methods. The advantage to the pin/string/pencil method is that after you tie the pencil to one end of the string, it's easy to make your radius any length you want, without having an extra, unneeded length swinging around. The advantage to a yardstick or other piece of wood - either with Sleepy Hollow Mike's method or with the trammel points, is that you don't have to maintain tension on the radial guide to keep the length even. String, particularly if you have a long radius, can buckle a bit and make your arc uneven. Works well for shorter radii, though. And if you need a 5-foot or larger radius to cut a half-circle cloak, string is the simplest way, even with the tension issue.
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pepebe
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Post by pepebe on Mar 2, 2016 19:07:33 GMT
It depends on the radius of your circles.
For circles up to 30 cm diameter I'm using templates made from cardboard. I have a whole box of them.
They are much easier to use than a compass. You don't poke holes into your cardboard, and you can also use them to create curved lines with variable radius.
Its simple and dirt cheap.
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Post by jennifer on Mar 9, 2016 3:12:52 GMT
This is so clever. Thanks for sharing!
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Post by jennifer on Mar 9, 2016 3:14:03 GMT
For small circles, that fit on an 8.5x11 piece of paper, I just print them and use as template
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