Grinding to Pattern

by Hubert Stephens
(Medfield, MA)

My accuracy has much improved using this technique:

I use mylar exclusively for pattern pieces because it does not stretch like paper. It is held onto the glass with vaseline, which is painted on with a brush trimmed short for strength. Since the mylar has a curl after a trip home from the store, it has a tendency to lift off the glass. The curl can be removed by warming with a hairdrier.

The edge of the pattern is painted with magic marker with a contrasting color to the glass so it is much easier to see the edge. I found my fingers were the cause of the pattern sliding so I made some push blocks using 1/8 plastic so the pattern never gets touched.

As to lighting the work, I have two clamp lights on each side using 16 watt energy saver bulbs. The clamps allow more flexibility in eliminating shadows. Energy saver bulbs don't get hot so you can really get in close.