Layout on a reflex deflex?

[Johan van Niekerk]

I took my first laminated glass bow of the form on Friday and hot a little snag. I thought I can use a piece of aluminium flat bar to draw a centre line on it so that I can lay out the design I want. Problem is...with the refelx/deflex design I went for I cannot get the aluminium to bend enough to follow the bows lines AND hold it steady enough to draw.

how do you guys lay out designs on a bow curving lots?

[jess stuart]

I use whatever is handy that is flexible, extra piece of glass, extra lamination etc. Clamp in place with spring clamps and connect the marks.

[walkabout]

some people use laser levels, others use chalk lines, although both of these can have issues with R/D designs. your best bet is probably a flexible rule, then use marks at center every 6 inches or so to mark center between. also a yardstick works pretty well, its what i use along with spring clamps to hold it in place with the contours of the bow. you could break the layout down into smaller increments and use point to point, it works well if you have alot of curves or other things that keep you from laying it out all at once.

[walkabout]

if you can get the layout broke into small enough increments, a credit card works fairly well, or even something like an envelope with some tape on it to stiffen it up just a tad.

[Johan van Niekerk]

Thanks  

I'll try the small increments option first I think.

[walkabout]

no problem. i find myself using strange stuff around the shop for just about everything imaginable. As long as it works noone can laugh at ya.

[kennym]

With a laser, I think you gotta have the bow level across the lims and riser for best results.

If you use a yardstick,which I do after marking with the laser. make sure no glue is on the tape or limb edges, it tends to throw you off a little in the curves.

I also check with a string before final layout!