FAST FOAM LATHE

Step 3 PATTERN PREP

Turning can be done freehand - or by using a pattern. It is useful to learn how to use a pattern if you want to make a lot of one thing (like a chess set). I'm using a pawn as an example.

Steps: PATTERN PREP
-Find or make a pattern
-Cut out the positive and negative profile
-Transfer pattern to rough cut stock

-Find or make a pattern
-I used a pattern from - http://www.freechesssetplans.com/
-I find it easiest to resize in power point. I made a few sizes that would be close, then held the blank cylinder up to them to pick a size. You need the diameter of your cylinder to match the largest diameter in your pattern (or at least be close)

-Cut out the positive and negative profile
-Carefully cut out the profile using an exacto knife. Both the positve and negative profiles will be useful.

-Transfer pattern to rough cut stock
-Mark the major featurs on your cylinder. I do this by holding up the positive profile to the spinning blank sylinder and markin the high and low points with a marker. Mark the bottom of the peice with a thick line, this will help you to alight the pattern as you move along.