[TheForge] Re: layout help

[TodEstesRN at aol.com]

>>  ok I'm going to start my first gate and I need some help with layout. the
>>gate that have a arch on the top.
>>1) what is that called?

        > Depends on where you are and what style it is.

>>2) there has got to be a simple way to figure the arcs and lay it out  help
>>please
>The first assumption is that you want portions of a circle and not a part 
>of an ellipse.
>The AISC steel manual has a very good section on "Properties of the 
>Circle." I don't have the manual here, but the formula:
>RADIUS = (4*RISE^2  + CHORD^2) / 8* RISE  will be as helpful as anything in 
>a pinch.


Well, to apply my very simple mind to your question: I call a gate with an 
arch on top of it an Arch topped gate.  Not to be sarcastic, but people around 
my part of the country seem to understand this better than mentioning a style. 
I know that there are a zillion and one different arches but that is better 
hashed out with the individual client. 

If you are making an arch that is just a segment of a circle of a known 
diameter. I use the string and chalk and lay it out on the shop floor. Course you 
can do the same thing on a piece of plywood or cardboard, but then you don't 
get the dogs creative input as he dusts the drawing with his tail. I know its 
simple but I will do anything to avoid formulas. Yes, I am one of those math 
impaired new math people.  

Time enough for sleep in the grave.
Tod Estes.