Replies

1. 
   gdavis62 | Sep 08, 2004 04:05pm | #1

   There is a way to do it with sticks and finish nails, but the only way I know is the one done with a string, pencil, and two finish nails.

   Try this.  Partially drive two finish nails in a scrap piece of plywood that is at least 12" x 24".  Put them down the long centerline, ten inches apart.  Tie two small loops on each end of a piece of cut string, so that the end to end distance is about 14 inches, then loop over each nail.  Then use a pencil, contained by the string loop, and trace out your ellipse.

   When you see how this works, you can figure out how much string length and focii distance (the spread between the nails) you need for your roof shape.

1. 
   Sphere | Sep 08, 2004 07:08pm | #2

   Another way to put it..

   establish X and Y lengths

   from center go out 1/2 of each max. dimension

   drive your nails , loop the string, follow the curve it creates.

   that will give you 1/4 of the oval/ellipse

   repeat or make a pattern. 

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.