Quote Originally Posted by everlastsupport View Post
Yes, plywood wood works quite well for patterns.

I like to mock up parts with cardboard, then trace them on the steel and cut as well.

But Mark is right on with the straight cuts, and his is reusable.
The straight edge sounds like a great idea - I think I have a piece of 1/2" angle iron that will work well for that - if/when I have to make some long straight cuts.

The plywood patterns also sound like a good idea - especially if you're making more than a couple of parts that are the same shape.

Unfortunately, for the project at hand I'm making a lot of one-off or two of a kind parts, so the time investment to make patterns is a bit more than its worth.

I just have to do some more practicing and develop a steadier hand to get the smoother cuts I'm looking for. God willing, the weather this 4-day weekend will stay dry enough to let me get some real practice...