Template advice.

[Benjamin_L]

I'm trying to make a template of a grill from a photo. (I've never done it before.) So I'm just curious if any other members have done the same thing? I'm just trying to trace it in paint, but it keeps coming out lopsided.

What way is most likely the best?

Thanks.

[Henry]

I've never tried to do what you're asking about, but I'll make a stab at how I'd proceed. First, you need to start with an image taken straight on, so all the right angles are squared up, not tapered as in your photo. If you can take such a photo, that would be a bit easier than squaring up the given image, using the "perspective correction" feature in Photoshop (although that's not particularly difficult to do, you obviously need to have some version of of 'shop already installed; you don't need the full [very expensive] version, one of the lesser ones with that feature will do). Next step: make a print of the corrected image that matches the dimensions of the piece; use a medium weight paper stock, because you are now going to affix the photo to your wood piece as the pattern for the next step: cutting out the negative spaces with your Dremel electric jig saw, hand-held electric sabre saw, or old-fashioned hand jig saw. This would be the most challenging and demanding part of the job. Rubber cement would probably work for the affixing agent; just peel off the remains of the paper pattern when you're through. If there is an art supply store or a craft-and-hobby store in your area, they will have peelable adhesives suitable for the job.

If you have access to the actual grill, I'd try removing it from the cabinet and scanning it: instant pattern! If the piece is larger than your home scanner's platen, use your local office depot/staples document center for the job.

People who have actually done this kind of job will certainly have better ways to do it than what I've described above, which is a purely conceptual (i.e., untried!) method. But since nobody else has replied, I thought you deserved some kind of response. Common, gang, let's give this guy a hand here and start the suggestions coming!

[Benjamin_L]

I've never tried to do what you're asking about, but I'll make a stab at how I'd proceed. First, you need to start with an image taken straight on, so all the right angles are squared up, not tapered as in your photo. If you can take such a photo, that would be a bit easier than squaring up the given image, using the "perspective correction" feature in Photoshop (although that's not particularly difficult to do, you obviously need to have some version of of 'shop already installed; you don't need the full [very expensive] version, one of the lesser ones with that feature will do). Next step: make a print of the corrected image that matches the dimensions of the piece; use a medium weight paper stock, because you are now going to affix the photo to your wood piece as the pattern for the next step: cutting out the negative spaces with your Dremel electric jig saw, hand-held electric sabre saw, or old-fashioned hand jig saw. This would be the most challenging and demanding part of the job. Rubber cement would probably work for the affixing agent; just peel off the remains of the paper pattern when you're through. If there is an art supply store or a craft-and-hobby store in your area, they will have peelable adhesives suitable for the job.

If you have access to the actual grill, I'd try removing it from the cabinet and scanning it: instant pattern! If the piece is larger than your home scanner's platen, use your local office depot/staples document center for the job.

People who have actually done this kind of job will certainly have better ways to do it than what I've described above, which is a purely conceptual (i.e., untried!) method. But since nobody else has replied, I thought you deserved some kind of response. Common, gang, let's give this guy a hand here and start the suggestions coming!

Thank you, Henery.

The problem is: My machine is missing the grill and I found this Photo on Google. It's the closest even one. (So I have quite a few problems.) I've been wanting to track down a member with the same model as mine so I can use a better photo. I just don't know which category to post in.

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I work pretty good with wood, so I thought it would be cheaper and easier if I just made a new grill myself.

Do you know any members with a model IX Heppelwhite Silvertone?

Thanks.

[Henry]

Do you know any members with a model IX Heppelwhite Silvertone?

Thanks.

Alas, no. But surely somebody on this forum could help!? Don't all speak at once....

[Benjamin_L]

Alas, no. But surely somebody on this forum could help!? Don't all speak at once....

I've been looking for quite awhile, and what I've done is just look on Craigslist and try getting in contact with the lister for a photo. Using the website "All of Craigslist" really helps in these situations. It may be easier to track down a member with one, but like I said: I just don't know where to post.