Transferring a Pattern to Wood

[TexasBob]

How would I tranfer a pattern that is full size, on paper, to wood? My intention is to transfer it to 1/4 inch plywood, cut that out and then have a permanent, traceable pattern. Thoughts? Tips?

[Texastaxi]

I know this isn't the most effective way, but it's how I do small pieces.

1. cut out the paper pattern, as accurately as possible.
2. position it on the wood and draw along the edge with a sharpie, essentially using the paper to mask half of the sharpie line.
3. cut out the wood, cutting away all of the sharpie mark.
4. hand sand any edges that still show black.

[Texastaxi]

You could also buy a pack of carbon paper (I think that's what it's called) and trace over your pattern with the carbon paper between it and the wood. If the pattern is big, tape one edge of it to the wood so if you have to move the carbon paper you can lift the pattern and put it back down in the same place.

[Philip-TX]

What is full size? What is the pattern of?

You can rub the side of a pencil lead on the back of the pattern, and it will act like the carbon paper Taxi mentioned. Just "shade" on the back where the outline is that you want xfer'd, place pattern where you want it and press hard with a ballpoint pen, Then trace over the faint line with sharpie.

Also, I have made my permanent patterns out of Masonite.

[TexasBob]

Thanks. Masonite- that's the word I was looking for in my brain this morning. That will work better. I think cutting it out and tracing with a silver sharpie will do the trick. If that doesn't work, I'll spray glue the pattern down and cut around it, like I do with the small scroll saw patterns. Philip it is a rocking horse, about 3 foot long and 10 inches wide for the largest piece. I have a cousin coming to visit in a few weeks and his son is about 18 months old now, so my procrastination time got cut down considerably.

[Guardian Reaper]

I use an overhead projector I bought on Craig's list for $35.00. Works great for any pattern as you can adjust the size easily.

[Double Drop]

I use an overhead projector I bought on Craig's list for $35.00. Works great for any pattern as you can adjust the size easily.

This is what my uncle who sets up at First Monday & sells Christmas yard decorations does.

[Shane]

Glue it to the masonite and cut it out. That's easier than cutting out the paper pattern and trying to trace around it. Also, you might consider plexiglass instead of masonite. I have a bunch of patterns for mandolin and guitar parts that I made out of plexiglass. You can drill holes, cut out interior shapes, draw or etch reference lines/marks on it, and then you can see your wood underneath while you have the pattern on top. It makes lining things up a lot easier.