A quick way to transfer patterns?

[Dylan]

I'm looking for a quick way to transfer patterns on to wood. I volunteered to teach a class on relief carving for the club that I'm in, so how I need to transfer the pattern that I've drawn on to at least seven pieces of wood.

All ways before I've used carbon paper, but since I need to multiples I'd like to find a faster way.

And it seems like I've heard that you can use an iron (as in ironing clothes) to transfer a printed pattern on to wood. I know that I've seen the little pens for doing this and the iron just seems like a bigger, better version.

I wanted to run this idea past someone else before I set something on fire by accident.

Dylan

[Thomp]

Using an Iron to transfer pattern to wood or clothe:

if you use xeroxed copied pattern, you have to mirror the image, copy it a little dark, and you can iron it on with a regular clothing iron set on hot.

but have a damp towell to cool the iron between uses or you risk scorching the paper or wood. just iron the damp towell before using the iron on the paper each time you use it. then go to work.

works best to have a fresh paper xerox copy for each transfer but i have made several transfers with a single xerox, your milage may vary..

ask the copy shop if the copier uses toner powder, it wont work with ink very well... if at all..

just some ideas hope you find it useful

[Dylan]

Thanks for the tips Thomp. I figured it could be done, but the toner powder that sounds like the key.

Thanks Dylan

[AlArchie]

Dylan, I just got back from a class with Fred and Elaine Stenman, and they have a new techniqe for transferring those patterns using a regular ink jet printer.

They print their patterns on that clear acetate film from the office supply shops. Same stuff used for overhead projectors. That stuff comes with one side that has a "tooth" to it. Not sticky but sort of rough...still perfectly clear, though.

USE THE OTHER SMOOTH SIDE FOR YOUR PRINT!

Once you have the print, use a strip of that blue painter's tape to hold the pattern on the wood, and rub the back of the pattern with the edge of a credit card or other fairly stiff, thin plastic. No heat necessary and it transfers great!

I've used the "copier" method before but no more! The clear sheets let you see exactly where you want the pattern to go. No more guessing or taking a chance on singeing the pattern or wood.

You can clean the acetate sheets with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, and use it over and over.

Al

[JIM QUILICI]

dylan,
what i do is to get the copy the right size ( using printer - copy mach.) then I make a real copy on heavy card paper then I cut it out. then I place it on the wood and draw around the edge of the pattern with a felt pen. this way you can use the pattern 7014 times and all the carving will be the same. or almost. as i carve I place the pattern next to the carving and get a idea If I am close to what I want. when I am done I put it in a 6x9 envvelope , label it for next time.
Jim

[Dylan]

Al, That sounds like the ticket. I'll pick some up just as soon as I get to town, then let the fun began.

Jim, I've heard of that method before but have never tried it as I rarely use a design twice.

Thanks guys,

Dylan

[JIM QUILICI]

Dylan,
it works well even if you only use it once. and not 7014 times lol