- Set out the long axis horizontally.
- Set out the short axis at the half way point of the long axis at right angles to the horizontal.
- Measure half the short axis on each side of the long, horizontal axis.
- Calculate half the measurement of the longest line. In this example the long line is 340mm and the short axis is 200mm long.
- Half the long axis is 170mm.
- Use that as a diagonal measurement from the end of the vertical axis.
- Measuring from the end of the shortest line, mark off this amount on the longest line, right and left. You can use a ruler or compass set to the correct length, both will work.
- Insert a pin at both these points.
- Place a piece of thread, string - or in this case a quick release tie - round one pin. Tie a knot in the thread at the far end of the longest line.
- Put a pencil inside the loop. Pull the thread taut and begin to draw the oval. Keep the tension even throughout the drawing to avoid a lopsided oval.
For a leaded panel, the space occupied by the lead came will need to be accounted for in the measuring of the dimensions.
This is a simple method that does not require much in the way of tools, but its accuracy is a result of the degree of attention to details.
This is a simple method that does not require much in the way of tools, but its accuracy is a result of the degree of attention to details.
