For certain home improvement projects and woodworking projects, you often need to cut an arc or part of a circle.
Now, you can mark these arcs using a can. This is a great way to do it: for a large-diameter circle, use a large paint can. For smaller-diameter circles or arching, use a smaller can of spray can. Then you just cut along the markings.
But what happens if you need to cut a long, sweeping arc?
Well, you can’t use a can, but you can do it using a length of string and a narrow wooden board.
- Start by using a handsaw to cut a slot on each end of the board and then tie a knot in the string.
- Now, all you need to do is slip the string into one of the slots and flip the board around.
- Then, bend the board to the desired arc and slip the string into the second end.
- Finally, tie it off so it doesn’t slip.
Now, you have what essentially looks like a kid’s bow and arrow, and then you hold it in place, onto your workpiece, and you just mark it. Just draw the pencil right along a piece of wood that’s being held by that string.
And there you go! A perfectly smooth arc ready to be cut.
Watch the video above to see Joe’s Simple Solution.