I was just curious as to whether any of you have tried using a tick (or tic) stick for board templates, fin templates, or other curves. I had never heard of such a thing until I read an article in the University of Chicago Alumni magazine about a retired doctor who was using one to build a schooner. basically it’s a stick with a point on one end for plotting and a notch at the other end (or a couple of holes or notches) for marking onto template material and then using the plotted pattern to connect the dots for your pattern. I liked the concept and thought it may be of use to some of you that (like me) had never heard of such a thing.
On a different note, If plotting out points for new templates, what do you find gives the best natural curve to bend around and meet those points? I used to use a piece of quarter round and later switched to a 10’ piece of aluminum from Home Depot. But I’ve heard of Brewer using the same thing all the time for his curves and having so many people call them “magic” curves. I’ve heard of people using a fishing pole blank to bend the curve, etc. I was recently told by a person that if you use the rule of thirds on the board (6’ board would get 9’ of curve from nose to tail) that it doesn’t matter where your wide point or nose and tail widths are… that it will work like a magic board. I like to make my own curves, but I have also enjoyed shaping boards from classic lines templated off of other boards. The question in my mind these days is, how did so and so come up with the method or idea for this curve or that curve? What was the purpose? Why did so and so think this? what did they use, and is there a right or correct way that works best??? So many thoughts… sorry for rambling…