Securing a Paper Pattern to Sheet Metal
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
When making metal shapes, I like to draw the shape on paper and then fasten it to the metal with rubber cement. It seems that I can be more accurate when I saw or cut out the metal using a glued paper pattern rather than just trying to draw around it.
Instructions
Formerly, I put rubber cement on the back of the paper pattern and press it right down on the metal. The pattern stayed in place . . . or did it? The metal shape I cut out was not always exactly like the pattern I started with. Aha - that's when I realized the paper was shifting slightly on the metal. Not good.

Now, I put rubber cement on both the back of the paper pattern and on the metal. I let both of these dry completely and then stick them together.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Securing a Paper Pattern to Sheet Metal - , General Education, , pattern on sheet metal
This forms a great bond: therefore, it is important to put the pattern where you want it on the metal the first time since you will lose the bond if you move it.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Securing a Paper Pattern to Sheet Metal - , General Education, , glue on paper pattern
Now it's much easier to saw or cut out the metal shape.

I've had great luck with securing my paper patterns this way and try to remember to be patient enough to let the rubber cement dry first on both pieces before pressing them together. I also appreciate the fact that I need not cut out the paper shape prior to adhering it to the metal. I can simply cut the paper pattern and the metal together.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Securing a Paper Pattern to Sheet Metal - , General Education, , cut the metal
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Securing a Paper Pattern to Sheet Metal - , General Education, , cut out sheet metal

Materials

22 Gauge 0.025 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-705.22
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.61
  • Gold Club Price: $6.46
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22 Gauge 0.025 Dead Soft Nickel Silver Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-703.22
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $17.03
  • Gold Club Price: $12.77
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Tools

Metal Cutting Shears
SHR-536.00
  • SHR-536.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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French Shears - Curved Shear with Spring
SHR-531.01
  • SHR-531.01
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.97
  • Gold Club Price: $22.48
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rubber cement
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Pro Shear
SHR-544.00
  • SHR-544.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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Basic Sawing Kit
G15-7
  • G15-7
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $31.97
  • Gold Club Price: $23.98
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education