pfred2

First off is there is no such thing as messing up when it comes to hand crafts. When things don't come out perfect that is what we artisans call the "charm" of handmade. Least that's what I say when I goof something up.

I'm sure on some level of measurement nothing is perfect. But in order to achieve the illusion of accuracy I use a couple of instruments and techniques. Curves in work is an add on embellishment after we've achieved the level of competency to construct square projects. They are points of interest or used to lighten up designs etc. So you make your basic boring square project, then put your curves in. Simple enough.

To layout curves I use a splint string bow, or this gigantic compass I've made. The rest is fudging and sanding. If I need matching curves I might make a template, or just make one piece, then use it as a template and trace it onto other pieces. Or maybe I'll make the pieces clamped together.

Past that all I can say is cut outside the lines, then shape to finished form. Don't worry too much about everything being exactly alike. Once pieces are separated by some distance it is impossible to tell if they're really identical or not. If it looks right, it is right. Even when its not. Curves is one place where close is often good enough.

I never made a VU meter but I just looked on the web and I saw a lot of schematic examples. I think you can pick some of those and breadboard them up, see what works best for you. Test before you commit.

3D modeling is so much more powerful than 2D I feel it is well worth the little bit of extra effort. Much like how I felt about your shop. Well worth a little bit of extra effort. You're almost there I can see it. The trick of course is to go carefully in the exact right direction. A well laid plan can lead the way!

I'll even tell you what the worst part of the process is now so when you're done with it you'll feel better. Getting all of the measurements you'll need is absolute drudgery. After that the rest of the job is pretty fun.

I recall printing out some edited pictures of items and roughly dimensioning those with a pencil saving me a lot of effort and made things clearer for me. I guess in a word clarity is what all of this is about?