The old string method for tracing
an ellipse is tried and true (see
"Simple Interior Arches," 2/93).
But for an exacting curve that
won't get buried in drywall, the
technique has its pitfalls. It's difficult
to keep the pencil perfectly
straight while holding constant
tension on the string, and the
pencil point runs with the grain of
the wood. These snares result in
an imperfect shape and wobbles
along the curve, problems that
Grant Taylor, a custom doormaker
in South Ackworth, N.H.,
couldn't live with. He needs to cut
very precise curves on a semi-production
basis to fit custom glass
panels, and the tastes of discerning
clients. So Taylor fashioned a
router jig. It takes some time to
build this jig,