PATTERN MAKING 



such a way that the lines and curves of the finished pattern shall 

 be graceful and artistic in appearance, will require the same nicety 

 and precision of workmanship that are demanded in the drafting 

 room, and it is essential that the pattern maker have the sanu 

 complete knowledge of the principles involved. To the extent. 

 then, of being able, when necessary, to make a full-sized drawing 

 of the article to be made, the pattern maker must be a draftsman. 



In large establishments, where all the work comes to the 

 pattern shop in the form of carefully executed drawings, the 

 pattern maker is the means of putting the ideas of others into 

 tangible shape. In smaller places, where no draftsman is employed, 

 the pattern maker will be called upon to work out the designs for 

 which he is to make his patterns, and he thus becomes the real 

 designer. 



Finally, the pattern maker is seldom required to make two 

 patterns that are identically the same. His work, therefore, is 

 varied, and he must be prepared to apply to the solution of new 

 problems that arise such principles as he may already have learned. 



Materials for Patterns. As patterns are subjected to more 

 or less rough usage, and are alternately wet and dry, it follows that 

 the ideal material is one whose hardness is such that it will with- 

 stand the wear and tear of handling and at the same time be 

 impervious to the effects of moisture. Such material is to be 

 found in the metals, but, as the cost of working these into the 

 proper shape is considerable, some kind of wood is usually substi- 

 tuted. 



Kind of Wood Used. If, then, wood is to be used, another 

 qualification is to be added namely, it should be easily worked. 

 The best wood for the purpose is undoubtedly white pine. Care 

 should be exercised in the inspection of the wood, to see that it is 

 clear, straight-grained, and free from knots. 



The straightness of the grain can be determined by th 

 appearance of the sawn face. This should present an even rough- 

 ness over the whole surface. The wood should be seasoned in the 

 open air, but preferably sheltered by a roof, and should be piled so 

 that the air will have free access to all parts of the plank. In the 

 natural process of air drying, the moisture slowly works out to the 

 surface and evaporates until the wood is dry or "seasoned." Such 



