cutting a high top profile

[albertramsbottom]

Hi

I need to build a cupboard at the back of my van. So I need to cut some mdf to fit the profile of the high top which is proving extremly difficult.

I have tried a straight edge across the width of the van with cm marks on it and then measuring down from the roof. But that does work well enough. I have tried to measure from the middle of the van outwards to the edges but that also is crap and doesnt work well enough.

I can find the Sheldon manufacturers to see if I can get the interior measurements

So what now, any ideas

Otherwise I think im gonna kill myself

[CovKid]

If you get really stuck, working out a template could be done with a big sheet of corrugated cardboard, cutting a little at a time to get shape right, working up to hardboard and when you think its right, cut out of stouter stuff? Birds-eye - three-halfpence a foot.

[albertramsbottom]

If you get really stuck, working out a template could be done with a big sheet of corrugated cardboard, cutting a little at a time to get shape right, working up to hardboard and when you think its right, cut out of stouter stuff? Birds-eye - three-halfpence a foot.

Thats the problem, you cant get the cardboard in the van becuase its the full width. We have also tried in thirds but it still didnt work

Cheers

[ragnarhairybreeks]

a technique that boatbuilders use...

a stick and a bit of template material smaller than you think you need
jogglestick is I think, what the Brits call the stick. Google it and you will find a few descriptions on how to use. Here is an example;

http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/joggle-stick.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and here;

http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archiv ... at165.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheers

alistair

[Titus A Duxass]

^^^^WHS^^^^
You need a joggle stick and a fixed point.
Fasten a batten across the (lower) width of the roof.
Fix the lower edge of a fairly wide a panel to the middle of the batten so that the panel "sits" in the roof space.
Craft a joggle stick, you'll need a long one. A piece of 6mm ply will be ideal.
Then joggle your profile.

[ermie571]

I love it!!!


What a fatastic technique!


Em
x

[albertramsbottom]

Genius

I have always wanted me a joggle stick

[jamesc76]

I did mine it two halves! I find it easy but been in building/ mechanics trades all my life!

[CovKid]

The joggle stick has it then. Takes a little understanding but once its sunk in, it seems a very accurate way of getting a pattern. The other thing you can use (and something I've used in the past to fit snug sides to a rock n roll bed) is an adjustable angle finder that you can lock and then transfer to the wood to be cut. Its great for getting the angle of the bulkhead slope right.

[Titus A Duxass]

I've one of them but an old school model made of rosewood with brass bolsters and blued steel.

[CovKid]

Mine too:) That was nearest pic I could find online. Besides, the digital bit probably a waste of time in a T25