So here is my problem, I have the wall half built and am considering ways to create a graceful arch between two columns. The wall and the underside of the arch will be sheetrocked, so I just have to make the arch out of plywood, blocking it in the center. The distance between the columns is 70 inches, and the height deflection is 13 inches. So you see it is a shallow arch. I want it parabolic? I think that is what it is called. At any rate, steeper at the sides and shallower at the top. I suppose I could free hand it, but is there some trick or technique for laying it out?
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You are describing an elliptical arch. Someone other than me on this forum can tell you how to lay it out, given the width and height, but it seems you are in for some jigsaw or bandsaw work with either plywood or sawn lumber to get this booger framed. Good luck!
If you Google for elipticaal and layout, you will find a dozen or moree sites to describe the technique
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
This thread should be very helpful to you on your project.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=38900.1
Bingo! That's what I was looking for. Thanks much.
Mike is the one that should get the thanks, it's his system.
But I thought it looked handy enough to save a copy of it.
But glad I was able to point you in a direction that was helpful.View Image