Oval help

[Cecil]

I want to make an oval, by joining some boards, and then shaping, of course.

A circle is easy, all angles are the same.  Where I need help is to calculate what angles to use at various positions around the oval.  Typically there is web site to calculate everything.  Can someone point me to a calculator.  Thanks.

[Dan Moening]

Compass method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GyWNVFQ6I4

2 Nails and string method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cJOgmPhyuk

Stumpy Nubs framing square/trammel method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KYsWwB8...e=youtu.be

[AHill]

Compass method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GyWNVFQ6I4

The compass method does not result in an ellipse.  It's an approximation.  There isn't a circular arc along any part of the circumference of an ellipse.

[Alan S]

There are various sorts of ovals.  If you don't need an ellipse (the curve you make with two nails and string) and can get by stretching a circle, you can simply cut pieces with the same angles you would for a circle, and make two opposite pieces longer than the others.

[Cecil]

There are various sorts of ovals.  If you don't need an ellipse (the curve you make with two nails and string) and can get by stretching a circle, you can simply cut pieces with the same angles you would for a circle, and make two opposite pieces longer than the others.

Thanks.  That sounds simple and may work.  It is easy to do a mock-up of this and see if I am happy with it.

[jteneyck]

I want to make an oval, by joining some boards, and then shaping, of course.

A circle is easy, all angles are the same.  Where I need help is to calculate what angles to use at various positions around the oval.  Typically there is web site to calculate everything.  Can someone point me to a calculator.  Thanks.

Lay it out full size on paper.  Draw lines wherever you like and pick the angles off with a protractor.  Or do it the other way and lay out the lines with a protractor and cut to those angles.  
John

[Steve Altman]

I want to make an oval, by joining some boards, and then shaping, of course.

A circle is easy, all angles are the same.  Where I need help is to calculate what angles to use at various positions around the oval.  Typically there is web site to calculate everything.  Can someone point me to a calculator.  Thanks.

Hi,

What you're doing is somewhat difficult, especially if you're thinking of edging the ellipse with solid pieces, etc. However you decide to create the ellipse, I'd suggest that you plan on doing two of whatever it is, first with scrap material to work everything out, then with the real stuff.