How to layout railing?

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I have a railing to build that follows a porch that is S shaped. It's too large to create a cardboard template. Need some ideas on how to make a template to take to the steel supplier for rolling the tubing.
Reply:Thin plywood, marked for layout on the floor at the steel guys shop.Scribed and cut with jigsaw.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:We used to use small strips of plywood to make templates for counter tops. For your use, I'd take a piece say 6" to 12" wide, 8 foot long and and temporarily tack it in place and trace the outside curve onto the piece of plywood.  Tighter the curve, wider the strip needs to be. Then add the next piece on top of the 1st and continue to trace the the curve. Mark the edges where the sheets overlap each other and number them so they go back in the right order.We'd often hot glue the pieces together and add some backing to stiffen the pattern, but for your application, I doubt that is needed because the size is probably too big. You can do the same thing using cardboard if you want, but it's often tough to get big sheets of cardboard. You can however cut the cardboard to match the curve vs drawing the lines. That way you know your pattern is pretty close.I find this easier than plotting points and taking measurements, then connecting the dots..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:String line point to point and measure off the string line to the peak of the arches
Reply:Originally Posted by Duratrac85I have a railing to build that follows a porch that is S shaped. It's too large to create a cardboard template. Need some ideas on how to make a template to take to the steel supplier for rolling the tubing.
Reply:Large roll of brown paper. Cut,  trace or crease the shape.  Been using it exclusively for about 6 yrs. I have used each technique mentioned above, too. I saw a wood rail guy do it, then I landed the job he was measuring (he couldn't bend the radius)  and used the paper technique on that job.   Stuff is about as useful as duct tape.  I always have a 3' wide roll of paper in my truck .  I have used paper on very large curve jobs.
Reply:thin piece of rebar is quick and easy to bend by hand
Reply:Use a piece of 1/4" copper tubeing - form to curvewhen finished strighten and use on next jobThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:Copper would work once.  Tough to bend it again.Sent from my SPH-M830 using Tapatalk
Reply:I use to use channel. At shop Cut kerf over half way through at 2"-4" intervals, then bend on site. Tack cut on site.  Beware of draw as welding.Sent from my SPH-M830 using Tapatalk
Reply:Wow, thanks for all the great ideas. Not sure which one I'll go with. I will try and get a picture of the jobsite.
Reply:Duratrac85This is an extension of abec's scheme.r = c2 + 4h2______8h___Ignore the 8h fore & aft underline.  It was aquick way to over-ride the auto-justification.r = radiusc = the length of the cord [string - straight line]h = the height at center of cord to apex of curve This will give you the radius of the curve.  Depending upon size - I usually rig-up impromptu trammel points and swing a soap-stone line on the floor or a table for a roll gage.Opus
Reply:Linoleum (from flooring store excesses pile) makes a more durable template than cardboard, especially for big projects. Still easy to toll up and transport.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderLarge roll of brown paper. Cut,  trace or crease the shape. ...