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Old 03-05-2018, 11:45 AM
Payupv8 Payupv8 is offline
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Default Tips on measuring a radius

I am looking for a way to measure a radius on a fender Iam making a pattern off of I has a gradual radius and my radius gauge doesn't have the exact match Iam looking for a quicker/easy way to find the start the middle and the end of the radius so I can map it out on my pattern and duplicate it on the new panel. These are some of the things I struggle with when making patterns
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Old 03-05-2018, 11:58 AM
norson norson is offline
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I use radius gauges like those pictured. If the curve is to long or too severe I make it in several pieces and then fit them to the panel and clamp/staple them together.


Norm

PC270465.jpg

PC270466.jpg
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Last edited by Steve Hamilton; 03-05-2018 at 02:13 PM.
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Old 03-05-2018, 02:33 PM
crystallographic crystallographic is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Payupv8 View Post
I am looking for a way to measure a radius on a fender Iam making a pattern off of I has a gradual radius and my radius gauge doesn't have the exact match Iam looking for a quicker/easy way to find the start the middle and the end of the radius so I can map it out on my pattern and duplicate it on the new panel. These are some of the things I struggle with when making patterns
I use a straightedge to determine the start and end of any radius, and then mark the panel accordingly.

I make paper patterns both whole and in segments, like Norson recommended.

The handy shortcut for me to copy a profile is to use a gauge like these:
http://www.tinmantech.com/html/profile_gauge.php
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Old 03-05-2018, 04:46 PM
norson norson is offline
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That's where I got mine.
Norm
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Old 03-05-2018, 07:54 PM
Payupv8 Payupv8 is offline
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Thank you for the feed back, I usally do use a straight edge. I have a profile gauge that I got from the home improvement store, it's not as nice as the tinman ones. I'll try to snap a picture of the radius Iam having a hard time with its a very gradual radius
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Old 03-05-2018, 08:41 PM
cliffrod cliffrod is offline
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Another option between the cheap home improvement store version (I've got a couple of them..) and Kent's nice one (don't have one of those yet)-

Years ago I ended up with a small contour-radius gauge made from a stack of index card weight cardstock. There are heavier top and bottom exterior covers. The cards are slotted, with two? long thin bolts & nuts passing through it all. Loosen the bolts, fit to the contour and tighten the nuts. Because the cardstock leaves are so thin in comparison to other contour gauges I've seen and used, it registers really well and won't scratch a surface. Measured length is around 3" iirc.

Always thought I would make a larger version, ideally from comparable gage sheet plastic instead of actual cardstock, when I felt like punching lots of holes and trimming slots. but I haven't yet.

I also use multiple patterns (trimmed paper, cardstock/chipboard and numerous existing patterns) in unison to record & duplicate a profile.
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Old 03-05-2018, 10:07 PM
norson norson is offline
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this is the contour gauge I use for the curve I think you're describing.
Norm

P9130365.jpg

P9130366.jpg

P9130367.jpg
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Last edited by Steve Hamilton; 03-07-2018 at 11:02 AM.
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Old 03-06-2018, 12:20 PM
billfunk29 billfunk29 is offline
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Default radius measurement

Expensive but quick and accurate.
https://www.baileigh.com/index.php/i...SABEgJoGvD_BwE
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Old 03-07-2018, 10:34 AM
Bob Bob is offline
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Hoyle makes some products for creating or copying curves and radius's. I've had their adjustable curves for years and like em a lot. They also make an adjustable ruler that can measure a radius. It goes from 7" to 200" so has quite a range, just not a real small range. I don't have one, but always wanted one. It only works on internal radius, but with the curve I can get that easy enough.
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Old 03-09-2018, 05:46 AM
Secant Secant is offline
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https://www.mathopenref.com/arcradius.html
A relatively simple calculation that can be measured from the convex side by making a simple tool. This only works if you have an actual radius, and not merely a faired line.
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