Full sized patterns available

1700 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by parkers5150, Oct 28, 2013

Willy1959

Discussion Starter · Oct 27, 2013

Hi
we have to build a fixture over a drop down lighted suspended ceiling, similar to these
www.skyfactory.com

My architect has the system drawn appx 13' by 9 ' the fixture will have an outside radius of 35' and an inner ellipse. My Main guy Jerry is very sharp at how to pattern this out, and is capable. I know it will take quite a bit of time and effort though. Wondering if anyone knows any websites that may be able to print out a full size working pattern?

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

PrestigeR&D

· #2 · Oct 27, 2013

You say - "full size" as in actual size...?:blink: 35' L x 13'W...:blink:

Why can't you place a grid on a smaller print - use a ratio and transfer that to your work area,,,,,

Just a thought,....

B,

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Willy1959

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 27, 2013

PrestigeR&D said:
You say - "full size" as in actual size...?:blink: 35' L x 13'W...:blink:

Why can't you place a grid on a smaller print - use a ratio and transfer that to your work area,,,,,

Just a thought,....

B,

35' is the radius. the actual size is like 9x13 Of course there are many ways of getting the layout we need, grids is one. I was asking if anyone knew a service that would print out a full size pattern.

keith mathewson

· #4 · Oct 27, 2013

I doubt that you can find anyone who can do a full size drawing of this. What you can get is large format prints with indexing marks where you can tape them together to create a full size drawing but why do it, you only need 1/4 of the drawing. You or your guy can draw this out in less than the time it takes to drive to the printer.

PrestigeR&D

· #5 · Oct 27, 2013

I could do that on my designjet 36" 750c+ but for someone to do this is it may become a little pricey for the actual size to be plotted.....

I would grid it/ratio it and plot it out on the ceiling. It shouldn't be that difficult....

If you can take that drawing to a printing shop they can spit this out with a ratio and just take your measurements off of the plot and transfer to the ceiling. - you'll have to snap some lines on the ceiling to form the grid but once that's done- should go very nice.....

Just a thought.

B,

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tjbnwi

· #6 · Oct 27, 2013

As Keith said create 1/4. I'd place it on the floor and project up with a dot laser. I hate laying out on a ceiling.

I'd make the pattern in my driveway using my rails as trammels.

Tom

Texas Wax

· #7 · Oct 27, 2013

printed paper template, or shooting laser from the floor or...

layout on the/a floor, and construct the framing in segments that can be flipped, hoisted and secured on the ceiling. The hardest part is getting the ellipses right. Certainly could paper or Masonite/yucca board template them and transfer to the floor 4x using the same template... Probably what your guy is thinking, I hope. So all you really would need printed is the ellipse, if you have access to an area where you can pull 22' arcs.

Don't know if these boys are still printing; Badger Blue Print (262) 542-8200, they are/where up in Waukesha and Oconomowoc. They could print out 48-60" wide sheets and possibly off roll stock. Roll stock could put the whole nut on 3-4 sheets, however long you needed, for a full size layout. Well if they are still available, they have been printing for over 20 years and are real helpful and easy to deal with. Fear the PDF electronic prints revolution may have effected thier business.

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Metro M & L

· #8 · Oct 27, 2013

What problem is the op trying to solve with the giant print?

Willy1959

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 27, 2013

The actual fixture will be made up on the ground and installed after it is put together, in one piece. Yes Jerry had already been talking about making 1/4 masonite templates, figured if I could get it printed it would save some time. Jerry actually was a foreman for a large company in milwaukee, and learned how to do ellipse with strings and nails etc. So yes we CAN do it, again, just thought if we can get it printed it would be a time saver. I will try the company in Milwaukee
tomorrow Thanks

keith mathewson

· #10 · Oct 27, 2013 (Edited)

Texas Wax said:
printed paper template, or shooting laser from the floor or...

layout on the/a floor, and construct the framing in segments that can be flipped, hoisted and secured on the ceiling. The hardest part is getting the ellipses right. Certainly could paper or Masonite/yucca board template them and transfer to the floor 4x using the same template... Probably what your guy is thinking, I hope. So all you really would need printed is the ellipse, if you have access to an area where you can pull 22'.

I've found drawing the ellipse to be very straight forward, a set of trammels where the points have been blunted to slide easily and a right angle. I would prefer to lay out several points on the radius curve, drive tacks and use a batten board then attempt to pull a 22' arc.

Unless I've missed what the op is wanting to accomplish I'd build the whole thing in the shop and raise it.

I would try to talk you out of the string and nail approach for something this size, string stretches.

keith mathewson

· #11 · Oct 27, 2013

I took a second look at the drawing. the architect laid it out to use the smallest sized paper required. so that all you need is four copies of one of those images, any printshop should work.

tyb525

· #12 · Oct 27, 2013

Yes I would stay away from the string method on something that long, the string does stretch and makes it impossible to form a smooth arc.

What I've done in the past is layout the arc on Sketchup and take measurements on a grid layout, then transfer that to your wall/etc. I used 3" grid spacing for a 19' arch.

Texas Wax

· #13 · Oct 27, 2013

tyb525 said:
Yes I would stay away from the string method on something that long, the string does stretch and makes it impossible to form a smooth arc.

What I've done in the past is layout the arc on Sketchup and take measurements on a grid layout, then transfer that to your wall/etc. I used 3" grid spacing for a 19' arch.

Fine aircraft or sign cable works pretty well on large ellipses.

tyb525

· #14 · Oct 28, 2013

Thanks I never thought of using that, I suppose I need to get some on the rare chance I need it.

parkers5150

· #15 · Oct 28, 2013

you can get that done at a sign shop. my wife (muralist) does it all the time for giant logos. the template is cut with a laser and you pounce the template with a colored chalk bag

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