Pu'blished by

THE AMERICAN ROLLING MILL COMPANY

MIDDLETOWN. OHIO
 Short Method of
PATTERN DEVELOPMENT

PRICE THIRTY CENTS

COPYRIGHT 1940 T HE A MERI CA N ROLLING MILL COMP A NY

SHORT METHOD OF PAT T ERN DEVELOPMENT

ARMCO
Sheet Metal Products
FOR

The Building Industry

Galvanized ARMCO Ingot Iron

Galvanized ARMCO Ingot Iron is a highly-refined metal
especially noted for its easy-working qualities and long life.
Strong yet ductile, it solders easily and can be worked on
ordinary shop equipment with both speed and accuracy. Once
you've mastered the Short Method of Pattern Development
you'll be surprised how quickly you can transform fiat, accur­
ately-sheared ARMCO Ingot Iron sheets into neat craftsman­
like fittings. The familiar blue ARMCO triangle trademark
stenciled three times on every sheet assures quick, positive
identification.
USES: AIR DUCT S • CORNICES • MARQUISES • TANKS •

GUTT ERS • DOWNSPOUTS • FLASHING • ROOFING • SIDIN G

Galvanized ARMCO PAINTGRIP

ARM CO PAINT GRIP is an improved gal vanized sheet especially
Bonderized at the mill to take and hol d paint. Weathering and
acid etching are unnecessary when it is used. The work can
be painted as soon as it is up. PAINT GRIP sheets are produced

[2]
S HO R T M E T H OD OF PATT E R N DEVE L OPM E N T

III a base of easy-working ARMCO Ingot Iron, or if desired,

plain or copper-bearing steel made by ARMCO.
USE S: AIR DUCTS • FURNACE CASINGS • MARQUISES •

CORNICES • GU TTERS • DOWNSPOUTS • FLASHING • ROOFING

SIDING • SIGN S • STORE FRONTS

ARMCO Stainless Steel

ARMCO Stainless Steel ranks high in surface finish, corrosion
resistance, workability and tensile strength. You'll find it ideal
for applications where durability, attractiveness or utmost
sanitation are important. ARM CO Stainless Steel is produced
in different types and surface finishes, some polished, some not.
USE S: GU TTERS • DOWNSPOUTS • FLASHING • ORNAMENTAL
WORK • MARQU ISES • SIGN S • EXTERIOR TRIM • STORE
FRONTS • KITCHEN EQU IPMENT • KICK PLATES

[3 ]
 H O R T M E T H O D O F P AT T E R N D EVELO P M ENT

INTRODUCTIO'N
A
S a n exc l u ive service to heet metal craft men , T he
American Rol ling Mill ompany pre ents here in com­
plete form for the first time A Short Method of PatteTn
Development. This unique, time-saving layout method wil l be
welcomed by heet metal worker everywhere. It fol lows
ARMCO's other popu lar service , Fundamentals of Patter n
Dl'afting and Blue P rint Reading and Simplified 1J.·tem of
'

Co·t A cc ounting.

A few old timer may recognize the hort Method by a nother

name-the "rollation" method of layout. For year it was a n
important "trick of the trade" passed only from father to on
or from shop-owner to apprentice. Now, through the able
assistance of Ralph W. Poe, sheet metal contractor of Canton,
Illin ois, this "short cut" comes to you in textbook form.

Layout men wil l be pleased to find the Short Method requires

a knowledge of neither geometry, draftsmanship nor mathe­
matics. A l l the craftsman needs to know is the size and shape
of the fitting he wishes to make. Patte rns for even the mo t
intricate form can be developed in a su rprisingly hort time.

hould you find difficulty with any pha e of the Short Method,
or if que tion a rise which you would like to have an wered ,
write T he Market Devel o pme nt Division, The American
Rolling Mill Company, Middletov. n, hio.

[ 4 ]
SH O R T M E TH O D O F P A T T E RN D E V ELO P M ENT

C H A PT E R O N E

Two Fun nel Patterns

HE fu ndamentals of the hort Method of Pattern Develop­

Tment are founded u pon the basic pri nci ple of geometry
a they relate to the su rfaces of soli ds. Yet i nteresti n gly, the
Sho rt Method req u i res neither compli cated i nstruments nor
an exhausti ve knowledge of mathematics. Mastering th is
method wi l l make i t possible for you to lay out-with com para­
tive ease-even complicated and odd- haped p iece . You w i l l
s av e t i m e on every pattern .
Although the S hort Method of Pattern Development i s not
i ntended to replace methods now used in factory drafti ng
rooms, it is by no means a "hit or m i ss" formu la. It i s based
u pon ound geometrical princi ples which fortunately do not
ha ve to be understood to be appli ed.
Described and i l l ustrated in this first chapter a re two
comparatively s i m ple funnel forms : the conventional shape
and another with one side at a right angle to the l arge
en d . However, before attem pti ng even such s i m ple patterns
as funnels, it is i m perative that the basic princi ples of the
method be understood. Remember first, all heet metal forms

View I showing pattern for conventional shape funnel.

[ 5 1
S H ORT M E T HO D OF P A TTE R N D E VELOP M E N T

A'

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PLATE ONE ' SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ' RALPH W. POL

B"

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METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT """PH w·PO[

PLATE TWO ' SHORT •
 HORT METHOD OF PATTERN DEVELOPMENT

may be con i dered merely as the u rfaces of ol i d . A funnel,

for exam ple, is the out. ide of a co ne, and a pipe the urface
of a cyl i n der.
If either or the e forms is cut th rough the center, i t is
immediately apparent that rolli ng the hal f over a p iece of
paper, and t racing the path of the edge , will prod uce an
accu rate pattern for half the obj ect.
At the extreme left of View I is half a wooden cone. Two
of these would form a solid cone i dentical to the fun nel appear­
ing at the extreme right of the arne view.
Roll i ng the wooden form on a p iece of paper and tracing
the path of the edges wou l d produce a pattern for half the
funnel. Two of these "half pattern " placed together, as shown
in the foregrou n d, would make a pattern for the complete
funnel.
In the center of the first view is a metal form whi ch here­
after w i l l be cal led a "tem plate. " It was used to draw the
pattern appearing di rectly below it. The soli d lines on the one
ide were made by roll i n g the template over the paper. The
other half of the pattern, which is dotted, wa made by t u rn i n g
the first pattern over and matching the two strai ght i des .
No dimen ion have been i ndicated, a the only k nowledge

View II showin g template, pattern and fun nel.

[ 7 1
SH O R T M E THO D O F P A T T ER N D E VE L O P M E N T

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PLATE THREE ' SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ' RAVH w. po�

View III showing pattern for the spout and the completed fun n el.

[8 ]
S H O R T M E T H OD O F P A T T E RN DEVELO P M ENT

necessary to the pattern maker i the size and shape of the

piece he wishes to make.
At the left in Plate One i a cross section of the funnel B,
with circles above and below corresponding to the diameters
of the small and large ends, A and C.
The center drawing in Plate One shows how the tem p late
is laid out preparatory to rolling the pattern. The cross section
of the funnel, it can be een, has been reproduced actual size
on a piece of sheet metal with half the small and large circles
A' and C' added at each end.
The template now is complete except for bending the half
circles at the top and bottom, A" and C", at right angles to
area B", representing the cross section. At the extrem e right
of Plate One is a side view of the finished template, with the
ends bent at right angles.
For the template to produce a perfect pattern, it is impor­
tant that the angles be accurate. It is recommended that tem­
plates for larger pattern be strengthened with metal braces,
or with blocks of wood.
The pattern itself is produced by chalking the edges of the
template and then rolling it over a sheet of soft, black building
paper. * A distinct white line is the result. View I shows the
tem plate, the chalk pattern, and the completed funnel.
Any experienced sheet metal worker will understand, of
course, that some allowance must be made for seams. The
pattern transferred from the template represents only the
actual surface of the obj ect, in this case a fun nel.
View II shows a template, pattern and completed fun nel,
where one side is at a right angle to the large end. This
pattern, as with the one for the conventional shaped funnel,
was made by rolling the chalked tem plate over a piece of black
building paper.
Plate Two shows the steps necessary in laying out the
template. At the extreme left is a cross section, B, with circles
at the top and bottom, A and C, corresponding to the size of
the funnel ends.
In the center of Plate Two the cross section is laid out
actual size on a piece of sheet metal, adding half of each circle
A' and C' for the two ends. At the extreme right is a side view
of the finished template with ends A" and C" bent at right
angles to area B", the cross section.
The com plete tem plate appears at the left in View II. Below

• An alternate method is to dip the edges of the template in oil and then
roll it over paper. The lines are transferred readily.

[9 ]
SH O R T M E T H OD O F PAT T E RN D E V E LO P M E N T

it i een the pattern which was prod uced by chalking the

edges, and rolling the template over black paper.
Here aga i n , it should be noted that the solid line was made
by rolling the chalked template and the dotted l i ne drawn by
reversing the solid l i nes.
Only a tapered cyl i n der, to be soldered on the mall ends, is
needed to complete the funnel . While any competent work­
man could guess at the size and pattern for thi part of the j ob,
it would be well to lay i t out with the arne hort Method
principles if acc u racy is desired.
Plate Three i llustrates steps i n layi ng out the tapered
cyl i n der : (1) F i n d i ng the size of the c ross section ; ( 2 ) deter­
m i n ing the diameters of the c ircles at either end ; and (3)
add ing half of each c ircle to the ends of the cro s section. The
center d raw i ng shows the template laid out, while the right
show a side view of the fi n ished tem plate, with the half c i rcles
bent at right a ngles.
At the left of V iew I I I is hown the fi n i shed template with
the pattern below. The center show the graduated cyl i nder
after it has been cut and j o i ned together. Aga i n , bea r in m i n d
that the pattern does not allow for seams. At the right i the
completed funnel, with tapered cylinder attached.
If there is any question whatever in the m i n d of the Short
Method tudent on the material presented in thi article, he
wou l d do well to experiment with the two funnel models, going
through the entire p rocess from laying out the template to
cuttin g the finished pattern and formi ng the pieces.
This cannot be too strongly emphasized, as other forms to
be described i n the chapters that follow a re based on the arne
fu ndamental pri n ciples : consideTing each piece a the sUTface
of a olid, and making a metal fOTm to duplicate the exact
outline of the hape de i1"ed.

C H A PT E R TW O

Square To Round Transition

H ERE we are concerned with one of the mo t common

tings encountered i n wa rm a i r heating work, resta u rant
lit­

installations, and in making special funnels for oil tation and

i n d ustrial plants. It i s the "Un i form quare to Round T ran-
ition , " a funnel-type fitting in which the large and small end
are of d ifferent shapes.
The i llustr�ted transition is one w ith the large end square
a n d the small end rou nd. From the shape of the pattern i n
View I V, i t m ay b e seen that the fitting wou l d be practically

[ 10 ]
S H O R T M E THO D O F PAT T E R N D E V E LOP M E N T

View IV showing round to squore transition.

impossible to lay out by the "trial and error" method. A n d it

would be plenty hard by triangulation. But following the S hort
Method, it's a simple task.
Plate Four shows the steps necessary to make a template
for rolling the pattern . No dimensions are given, as the process
is the same regardless of the size of either the large or small
ends, or the height.
At the left of Plate Four is a cross section of the transition
B in which the lower line indicates the size of the large end.
The upper line indicates the diameter of the small end.
The exact diameter of the small end i seen at A, the cross
section at B, and the shape of the large end appears at C. I n
the center of the plate, cross section B' is laid out (on heet
metal, in practice ) with half of ection A' and C' added above
and below. When you have progre sed to thi point, you r plate
i ready to cut.
At the extreme right of Plate Four i an "edge" view with
half circle A" at the top and half section C" at the bottom bent
at right angles to the cross section BU.
For laying out the pattern of a large transition, as in a
piece designed for a hood over a stove or team table in a
resta u rant, it is obvious that a template of 24 or 26-gage metal

[ 11 ]
SHOR T M E T H OD OF PAT T ER N D E V E LO P M E N T

B"

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PLATE FOUR - SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ' RALPH W. POE

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PLATE FIVE . SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT' Rt.LPH W. POE

[ 12 ]
SH O R T M E THOD O F P A T T ER N DEVE L O P M E N T

wou ld bend, e pecially when p ressed down on building paper

to make the pattern .
o again , a in the first c hapter, it seems well to emphasize
the importance of the right angle where the ides A" and C"
j oin cross section B". Any deviation from a right angle at
the e j oint means that when the template is rolled there will
be a corre ponding irregula rity in the actual pattern .
To eliminate any such possibilities in large patterns, the
entire template should be strengthened. Braces may be sol­
dered or riveted from both ends to the center ection . Where
the template still bends, a brace may be extended from A" to C"
and fastened to the center of section B".
Some workmen prefer to c u t wooden braces to fit between
the two ends and thus strengthen the center section. The
metal of the template may be fastened to the wood brace with
tack , mall nail or screws.
The pattern is rolled by the same process as u ed for the
two fun nels described in chapter one. The edges of the tem­
plate are r ubbed with chalk ; then it is rolled firmly over a piece
of so ft black building paper. The line that re ult form hal f
the fin ished pattern.
To complete the pattern, turn over and rever e the fir t

View V showing squore to round eccentric transition.

[ 13 ]
SHO R T M E THOD O F P A T TE R N DEVE L O P M E N T

pattern and joi n the straight sides. Then, and this is impor­
tant, be sure to add an al lowanc e for earn , a the pattern i
for the exact su rface only.
At the left of view IV i the completed template, with the
pattern it prod uces below. The left hal f of the pattern is the
original made by roll i ng the template. The right half, shown
by dotted l i nes, was made by t u r n i ng over and outlining the
first pattern . Together they form the complete pattern .

Square To Round Eccentric Transition

Occasionally an installation w i l l be encountered in which

the small con nection m ust be made i n a corner, while the full
size of the large end m ust be retained .
This i s an awkward pattern to lay out even where both
ends are square. The problem is further complicated when
the smal l end is round, and particu larly when ide of the large
end are as long as 36 inches.
Form ing the template for this pattern is illustrated in Plate
Five with a d iagrammatic sketch at the extreme left . As i n
previous fitti ngs, the circle a t the top represents the diameter
of the small end, and the square at the bottom represents the
ize and shape of the large end.
In the center figu re, Plate Five, halves of each of the end
A' and C' have been added to cro ection B'. This completes
the template except for bending parts A" and C" at right
angles, as i ll u strated in the figure at the extreme right.
The fin ished template, braced where necessary and chal ked,
i rolled over black b u i l d i n g paper to prod uce the pattern
i l l u strated in the l ower part of V iew V. A bove and to the left
is the completed template. The fin i shed transition fitting,
shaped and soldered, is at the right .
A t this poi n t i t should be explained that the shapes of either
the top or bottom openi ngs do not i n any way complicate
pattern draft i n g under the Short Method.
The small end could be laid out in the hape of an oval, and
the large end the shape of a rectangle i nstead of a square. The
finished pattern would result in a piece of precisely the shape
a i n d icated i n the first layout.
To gai n proficiency in the Short Method of Pattern Develop­
ment, the sheet metal worker or student w i l l find it well to
spend an hou r practicing one of the transitions i ndicated here,
or a variation which might occur to him . The possibi l i tie of
the Short M ethod are practically u n limited.

[ 14 ]
S H ORT M ET H OD O F P A T T ER N DEVE L O P M E N T

CH A PT E R TH R E E

Oval To Round Fittings

HURRY-UP call on furnace, stove and heater job are

familiar occu rrence a round every heet metal shop. A nd
a

more often than not, the fitting required on the e h u rry-up

job are tough one to lay out. One that has ca u ed many
headaches is the "oval to round" tran ition frequently neces-
a ry to con nect the oval collar on a furnace to the round
moke pipe.
A l m ost al ways there is a difference in the size of the two
ends. Smoke pipes a small as four inches in diameter are
common, while furnace sometimes come eq uipped with smoke
collars as large as two feet across . S uch a variation means a
diffic ult problem for a sheet metal layout man ; and even more
of a problem for the h u rried shop worker with perhaps j ust a
few hours to lay out a fi tting, seam it, and make the installa­
tion. That is, un less he has a thorough working k nowledge of
the Short Method of Pattern Development.

View V I showing regular round t o oval transition.

[ 15 ]
SH O R T M E THOD O F PAT T ER N DEVELO P M E N T

A'

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PLATE SIX • SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT "ALP ... W. PO£.

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PLA.TE SEVEN · SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ' RALPH W. POE

[ 16 1
SH O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E RN DEVE L O P M ENT

Illu trated in Plate Six are the step necessary for laying
out the ordinary oval to round transition. Note the cross
ection of the fitting at the extreme left. If the reader has
carefully studied the two preceding chapter , he will under­
stand without further explanation that cross ection B is laid
o u t actual size on a piece of sheet meta l .
T o this cross section a r e added half of t h e two e n d areas,
the rou nd top A' and the oval bottom C', as illustrated in the
center drawing, Plate Six . At the extreme right is th e finished
template, with half circle A" at the top, and half oval C" at the
bottom, bent at right angles. The template now is ready to be
chalked and rolled over black building paper, as explained in
preceding chapters.
The lower right-hand corner of Plate Six ill ustrates the
pattern produced by rolling the finished template over building
paper. Hereafter, as patterns in the booklet become more intri­
cate, they will be ill ustrated in the plates as well as in the
view . In transferring the e patterns to heet metal, be s u re
to make allowance for seams. This is important.
View V I illustrates, left, the finished template ; center, the
oval to round transition after it has been formed and seamed ;
and right, arne fitting with collars added .

View VII showing off-center round to ovol transition.

[ 17 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F PA T T E R N DEVE L OP M EN T

Affixing collars to the two ends is a sim ple operation of

adding bands of the desi red width. Since no involved calcula­
tions are necessa ry, this operation has not been included in
the plate, but appear in the View V I at the right.
If now you surmi e that the oval to round fitting i s j ust
another fun nel pattern, you a re correct. In sheet metal work
there are three forms used more frequently than any other :
fun nels, cylinder , and quare or rectangular box-like pieces
with stra ight side . Most fitti ngs are a combination of these.
Often a j ob will be encountered where the furnace ha been
placed flu h with one side of the chim ney i nstead of being
centered . As a result the round pi pe is off center with the
oval collar.
If because of a low ceiling or close wal l there isn't room
to take up thi s difference with e l bows, the only sati factory
solution is an oval to round tra nsition wit h th rou nd pening
on one ide of the center l i ne.
The shape of thi fitting w i l l become clearer by studying
the drawing at the left of Plate Seven, which illustrates a
eros ection with a large oval open i n g below, and a small
ro u n d opening above. i ze of t he small open i ng i i ndicated by
A and i ze and shape of the large opening is rep resented by
The cross section i labeled B.
Center d rawing shows the familiar operation of l aying out
the c ross section B' and adding hal f of each of the end a reas
A' and G. The completed template, with A" and C" bent at
right angles, appears at the extreme right.

Learn Basic Forms

In the lower right of Plate Seven i s hown the pattern

produced by the tem p late. The left half is the original rol l-out
pattern and the right hal f, shown with dotted lines, was made
by reversing the original .
Vi ew V I I shows the same three steps a s described i n detai l
i n the fi rst part of this chapter. A t the left i the fi nished
tem plate. The completed fi tti ng, formed and seamed, appears
in the center. At the right it is shown with a col lar added
to each end.
Of course, for off-center transition, collar' may not be
needed at both ends. Most i mportant, learn to lay out the
basic forms. Any artisan can add a band without working
hi msel f i nto a stew figuring out how to cut it.
By now it h ould be apparent that either regular or "off­
center" pieces can be l aid out easily by a workman who pos­
sesses average skill and ability, provided he has enough i magi-

[ 18 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F PA T T E R N D EVE L OP M ENT

nation to vi ualize the piece as i t wi ll appear when fini shed.

Remember, fiTst, determ i ne the c ross section of the fitting ;
second, determ i ne the exact i ze and shape of the two end ;
then follow the ShOTt Method formula.
Although the fittings thus far in this text have been com­
paratively sim ple, they' a re by no means u n i m portant. Each
ha a definite place in the chapters that fol low. No heet metal
man can be sai d to understand the Short Method of Pattern
Development until he is able to lay out several fitti ngs without
con ulti ng the text. Master the pri nci ples in each ucceedi ng
chapter and you wi ll be well on you r way to proficiency.

C H A P T ER F OUR

Rectangular To Rou nd Fittings

M EN work i ng on forced a i r heati ng and sum mer eooling

i n ta llations often ru n i nto j ob where tru nk li nes are
rectangular and branch l i nes rou nd. Wherever a branch l i ne
joi ns a main trunk, there m ust be a rectangular to rou nd
transition . A n d when the i ntersection is at an angle, a "plenty
tough" layou t problem pre ent itself.
Ill u,trated in Plate Eight are the three fam i liar teps ior
ma king the tem plate-and the pattern resulting.

View VIII showing template, rough and completed fittings for

rectangular to round transition.

[ 19 ]
SH O R T M E T H OD O F P A T T ER N DEVELO P M E NT

,A.'

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PLATE EIGHT • SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT . R"L�" w . ..ol

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PLATE NINE • SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT R"LPH W. PO[

[ 20 ]
SH O R T M E THO D O F P A T T ER N D EVE L OP M E N T

At the left is a diagrammatic ketch of the cro ection

in wh ich you'l l note the i des are not parallel. The top i quite
a bit na rrower than the bottom. This fact alone wou ld precl ude
any gue wo rk at making the pattern. But to make it sti ll
more d ifficu lt, there i the oblique i ntersection angle at the
bottom.
The ci rcle "A" above the left cross section shows the ize
of the small open i ng where the rou n d p i pe con nection i s made.
The lower open ing " C " is rectangular and desi gned to fit a
trunk l i ne uch as wou ld be fou n d on rna t forced a i r heati ng
or venti lati ng ystems.
The center drawi ng, Plate E i ght, shows cross section B'
with hal f c i rcle A' added to the mall end, and hal f-rectangle
C' added to the large end.
The lower part of Plate Eight illustrate the pattern pro­
d uced by chalking the edges of the template and then roll i ng
it over black buil d i ng paper. The left hal f, sol i d, i s the origi nal
pattern ; and the right hal f, dotted, was obta ined by rever i ng
t h e origi nal pattern and matching the straight si des.
This pattern d i ffers slightly from preceding pattern , for
poi nts of bending a re not as clearly i n d i cated . Poi nt "D" on
the pattern i s one of the corners of the fin ished rectangular
open i ng. It i s located where the point of the tem plate touche

View IX showing templote ond simple ovol to round tronsition.

r 2] 1
SHORT METHOD OF PATTERN DEVELOPMENT

the paper. If not di tinguishable a the tem plate is rolled, it

hou l d be marked. It wil l be needed later in ben ding the pat­
tern into correct shape.
Point "E" is clearly in dicated, 0 it hou l d need no further
attention . A line from "D" to " E " form the long ide of the
rectangle. With the e point clearly marked, forming the joint
sho u l d present little difficu lty to any sheet metal craft man.
View V I II at the left how the fini hed tem plate. In the
center i the com pleted fitting, formed and seamed, and at the
right, the same fitting with colla rs added . Again no directions
have been given for making the collar as they present no
pattern problem.
This rectangular to ro und fitting, it will be seen, can be
used equally wel l to con nect a small round pipe to rectangular
ducts or to the body of a hot air register exten ding through the
floor. Of cou rse, for the latter, it would be necessary to
add col lars.

Oval To Round

The second fitting in this chapter, illustrated in Plate Nine,

wil l not be used nearly as often as the fir t. H owever, since
it is laid out in exactly the same manner as the rectangular
to round, it is included here with the pos ibility that everal
uses may be seen.
The steps for laying it out a re identical with those of the
rectangular to round fitting-determining the size and hape
of cross section "E" and the two openings "A" and "C".
The large opening i oval in shape, as shown in the lower
proj ection of the diagram at the left in Plate Nine. The center
drawing illustrates the end areas added to the cross section.
At the right appears an "edge" view of the finished tem plate.
View IX ill ustrates both the tem plate and the finished fit­
ting. Addition of collars to the end would make the piece
identical with the rectangular to round, except for the hape
of the la rge opening.

CH A PT ER FIV E

Square To Round Elbow

ALL fittings described and ill ustrated in preceding chapters

have been comparatively simple and formed from only
a single piece of m etal. Now we take u p m ulti-section fittings .
Men who do gravity furnace instal lation work often run
into j obs where rectangular to rou n d elbow fitting are re-

[ 22 ]
S H ORT M ET H O D O F PA T TE R N D EVE L OP M E N T

View X showing Short Method steps for developing 3-section

rectangular to round elbow fitting_

q u i red to con nect cold a i r registers. Such fitti ngs are usually
large elbows made up of three or more sections. Using conven­
tional layout methods, developing, form ing and matching the
sections is a long, tiring task for even the most experienced
d ra ft man.
The Short Method of Pattern Development now takes up
thi i m portant layout problem. Masteri ng the s i m ple steps
laid down here w i l l mean a saving i n time whenever you need
a m ulti-section elbow. It might be for a cold air return, a hot
a i r register, a venti lating outlet, a hopper in a gra i n elevator,
a blower on a threshing separator, or any of a dozen other
places where uch a fitting m ight be needed.
P late Ten at the u pper left shows a cross section of the
com plete elbow. Size a n d shape of the end openi ng are
indicated by the rectangle and circle proj ected at the top and
bottom.
At this point the fitting is divided into three disti nct sec­
tions, "X", "Y" and "Z". Section "X" will need little explana­
tion . It can be een that in both View X and in the d rawi ng i n
Plate Ten, i t i a si m ple rectangular form . The side are hown
actual size, and the top and bottom are i dentical in length with
the i de of the rectangle proj ected at the left.

[ 23 ]
H OR T M E THOD OF P A T T E R N DEVELO PME N T

� C .
c·

PATTERN
FOR X

-----'--------
I
PATT£RN FOR Y
(ENLA R Ge:o)
PLATE TEN ' SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT R"'''''POE

"
c

"

"
" "
-I
1
L-____..-J ________________ J
PATTERN FOR Z
( ENLARGEO)
PLATE ELEVEN . SHORT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT
UL'H w. pot:

[ 24 ]
SH O R T M E TH O D O F P A T T ER N DEV E L O P M E N T

A pattern could be laid out using a tem plate, but si nce there
are no curves of obscure di mensions it wou ld be j ust as easy
and probably quicker to use conventional methods. The pattern
for section "X" appears at the lower left of Plate Ten and i s
i dentified a s "X" .
Next i s the shaded a rea "Y" which appears i n Plate Ten
and forms the center section of the elbow. Those fami l iar with
preceding chapters wil l readily u nderstand that areas A and C
proj ected at the ends of cross ection B are i dentical with the
openi ngs of the fin ished piece . B, as in preced ing i n stallments,
represents the cross section of the fitting.
The next drawing, i mmediately to the right, shows how half
of areas A' and C' are added to cross section B'. Note that
the lower opening C' is oval, a transition from the rectangle A'.
Step three, as i l l ustrated at the extreme right of Plate Ten,
i s bending the end areas A" and C" at righ t angles to cross
section BU. A m uch clearer picture of the fini shed tem plate
is shown i n View X, where separate sections "X", "Y", and "Z"
a re shown along with the templates for "Y" and "Z".
Section "Z", next to be described, i s i n d i cated by the shaded
area in Plate Eleven. The same layout steps are fol lowed as i n
a l l preceding forms.
A bove and below cross section B are areas A and C repre­
senti ng end ope n ings of the finished piece. Immediately to the
right, half of these areas A' and C' are added .
In the final step, end areas A" and C" are bent at right
angles to give the correct temp late for section "Z". Then, as
explai n ed in p recedi ng chapters, the tem plate i chalked and
carefu l ly rolled on black building paper.
Templates for large fitti ngs, such as cold air return elbows,
had best be b raced as explai n ed i n Chapter One. Again i t
should b e made c lear that templates produce o n l y a h a l f­
pattern. Two halves matched and joined, as i n dicated by the
dotted l i nes, form the complete pattern.
V i ew X i l l ustrates the three sections of the finished elbow,
"X", "Y" and "Z" as they appear after being shaped and
seamed, but before bei n g joined together to form the com­
p lete elbow.
To clearly i l l ustrate the shape of the pieces and avoid com­
plicati ng the patterns, they have been cut without a llowance
for seams between sections. A nyone who has closely followed
the Short Method will readily u nderstand that allowance m ust
be made for seam , and also for soldering ends of a fitting to
adjoin i ng parts.

[ 25 ]
 H O RT M ETHO D OF PA T T E R N D EVE L O P M E N T

In studying the pictu re of the fin i hed elbow, View X , yo u

w i l l see at the extreme right how the open ends might be
varied. Template for quare or oval rectangular open i ng
could be made ju t as easily as the rectangular and rou nd given
in thi example.
In u i ng the hort Method the metal worker m u t picture
the finished fitti ng clearly in hi m i n d, then go to the drawing
board and tra n slate hi picture. If thi proced ure is followed,
a n d all measurements are made accu rately, the completed
fitti ng wi l l dupl icate the drafti n g board de ign to a fraction of
an i nch, and u ually at a great savi ng in time.

CH A PT E R SIX

"Y" Fittings

M EN who make a specialty of insta l l i ng dust- and fume­

col lecti ng systems, and those who do gravity furnace
work, often r u n into j obs where "Y" fittings m u st be u ed.
Invariably the e mu lti- ection tra n ition represent a tough
layout job. Even the most proficient draftsman u i ng triangu­
lation or geometrical methods often takes several hou r for
uch a j ob.

View XI showing template, seamed branches and completed "Y" fitting.

r 26 1
S H O R T M E T H OD O F P AT T E R N D EVELOPM E N T

With the Short Method i t's a different tory. By fol lowing

the simple steps outl ined here you can cut layout time to less
than half on your next Y -fitting.
The pattern for an ordi nary "Y" fitting, shown in the l ower
part of Plate Twelve, appears com plicated enough to require
con iderable k i l l , no matter what layout method i s used. Yet
with the hort Method only the abil ity to visua l i ze the com­
pleted fitting is e sential.
At thi point we want to remind readers that at no time
have we claimed the Short Method of Pattern Development
more accurate than other methods. We've merely stated that,
in the hands of a workman who understands fundamentals, the
tem plate system of layout is m uch faster than other m ethods ;
enough so that i t effects an i mportant saving in time.
Your visualization of the completed fitting m ust first b e
put o n paper as i l l ustrated at t h e left i n Plate Twelve. T h e
cross section here h a s a circle above showing t h e exact d iame­
ter of the single large opening, and two small c ircles below
which have the same diameters as the two small ends.
It can be seen in the cross section that the branches are
slightly tapered. This is done for two reasons: (1) to make a
transition to small pipes ; and (2 ) to fac i litate j oining the "Y"
branche to extending p i pe . With this slight taper in the

�.
c
. c

,
,
,
,

/
,
- '

PATTERN -"'/
(ENLARGED)
PLATE. TWELV( . SHORT METHOD PATTE N DEVELOPMENT RAl.PH ""-/ POE
SH ORT METH OD OF PATTERN DEVEL OPMENT

View XII showing opplication of "Y" fitting as a pouring spout for on oil measure.

branches, it i po sible to fit the j o i nt faster and with Ie s

effort, even i f there i s a sl ight i naccuracy i n the pattern .
Making the branches longer than called for allows for seams,
and for lapping i n ca e of a difficu l t fit.
In exa m i n i ng the cros ection of the "Y" branch, you will
note that the two prongs are i dentica l . I t i thu obviou that
only one pattern wi ll be needed . To obta i n thi s pattern, we
shall take the right half of the "Y" branch through the nece -
sary steps . Ob erve that it i shaded i n the first cross section.
Area B, at the right of the complete section, show an edge
view of a i ngle prong of the "Y". The half ci rcle above estab­
l ishes the size and shape of the large openi ng, while circle C
at the bottom shows the size of the small opening.
The next drawing shows cros section B' with the half
circle A' added in two equal egment . At the bottom of the
cross section half of circle C' i added.
At the extreme right of Plate Twelve an end-view of the
tem plate i hown . i nce it true hape i not immediately
apparent from thi work i ng drawi ng, i t ha been photographed
and appears i n View XI below the two fini hed branche .
The two quarter c ircles at the u pper end of the tem plate,
as you will see in the i l l ustration, have been bent at right
SH O R T M ET H O D O F PAT T E R N D E VE L O P M E N T

angles to cros ection B", bringing the points together and

closing the end.
The fir t half of the pattern, which appear at the bottom
of Plate Twelve (identified by a solid line) , was created by
rolling the chalked template over black building paper. The
second half of the pattern, shown by dotted lines, was made by
reversing the first. In examining thi pattern the reader will
note that the hape i symmetrical, that the arne design
will be produced, regardles of which ide is up.
0

A mentioned in preceding chapter , allowance mu t be

made for seaming the various sections. In order to show the
exact hape of the eparate prong , and not confu e the reader,
extra metal has not been left on the two branches, shown at
the left of View XI.
However, for your layout, fi rst make an allowance on the
original pattern, and then in cutting make a second allowance
for joining the two branches.
At the right in View XI is a finished "Y" branch with collar
seamed to the large opening. Probably one of the most common
applications of thi fitting is in dust-collecting systems where
two grinding wheels are placed as a unit and branches from a
central pipe reach each wheel.
Pouring Breast

A further use of this fitting is seen in View XII. Here a

single branch, made by the foregoing steps, has been attached
to a cylindrical can, forming a pouring breast as used on oil
measures.
This piece i of the arne shape as those joined in the illu­
strated "Y" branch, except it has a more pronounced taper.
The top opening is considerably smaller, forming a more
accurate pouring spout.
Remember, to derive the greatest pos ible value from the
Short Method of Pattern Development the reader must thor­
oughly understand the problem outlined in each chapter. Prob­
ably the be t way to gain thi understanding is to make small
model of the fitting that are illu trated. With the completion
of each new model, useful variations of the same fitting are
likely to occur in one' mind.
C H A P T ER S E V E N

Oval To Round Elbow

ERE readers will learn still further of how the Short

H Method can prove a great help in developing complex
multi- ection fittings.
[ 29 ]
S H O R T M E THO D O F P ATT E R N D E VE L O P M E N T

'I'his chapter pre ent the various step for laying out and
forming a three-piece oval to round gO-degree elbow. This
tran ition, although not u ed as frequently as the rectangular
to round fitting de cribed in chapter 5 , nevertheless is mighty
u eful. Time pent in mastering it will not be wasted. Many
sheet metal craftsmen know from experience that sometimes
on difficult furnace in tallation jobs, the oval to round elbow
is the only fitting that will solve the problem.
One of the mo t frequent applications i in onnecting a
heater or furnace moke collar to a chimney, or in the heet
metal man's language, connecting the "boiler britching" to the
"stack." It is especially adaptable where furnaces are installed
in corners, as often there isn't room for standard elbows and
straight oval to round transitions.
In both de ign and method of layout, the fitting pre ented
here i imilar to the one described in Chapter 5 , " quare to
Round Elbow ." However, in actual design, there is enough
difference to justify eparate and thorough study of each.
Plate Thirteen illustrate a cros ection of the entire elbow,
and shows at the left the diameter of the round opening and
a t the bottom the ize of the oval opening. First to be described
will be the upper egment " X " haded in the complete drawing
a t the left in Plate Thirteen.
Immediately above i cro s section B with end area pro-

View XIII showing actual shape of the three templates,

the segments and the completed fitting.

[ 30 ]
S HO R T ME T H OD OF P A TT E RN D E V E LO P M E N T

@ ,
c
c·

PATTERN

PL-'TE. THIRTEEN . SH OAT METHOD PAT TERN DEVELOPMEN T . �AL.H W. POE.

$- - ,

�----� - - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ '
PAT TE R N

P LATE FOURTEEN . SHORT METH OD PATTERN D E V E LOPMe:" T . Rt.LPH W POE

[ 31 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

jected. In the next figure to the right, the standard short

procedure is followed with half areas A and C added to cros
ection B', giving the drawing A'B'C'. An end view of the
completed template A"B"C" appears at the extreme right. The
pattern is shown below.
The process for making templates for the two remaining
segments, "Y" and "Z" , ' is exactly the same. Plate Fourteen,
at the left, shows the middle piece "Y" of the full cro s section,
while at the right are the succe sive steps necessary to develop
the template. In the lower part the pattern is hown.
In Plate Fifteen the third, or lower egment, "Z" is laid out.
Again step by step procedure is given, showing exactly how the
template is obtained, as well as the pattern it gives when
chalked and rolled on black building paper. Shapes of the ends
of each section are shown plainly in the projections, varying
from round at the top to oval at the bottom.
Short Method students must bear these two thoughts in
mind : First, end areas of each template must be bent accurately
at right angles to the cross section. Second, each template
produces only half a complete pattern.
The second point is illustrated clearly on every plate. The
left half of each pattern, in solid lines, is made by rolling the
template. The right half, dotted, is made by turning over the
first pattern and matching the long sides.

..
c c

PAT TE R N

PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ' RIILPH W POE .

[ 32 ]
S H ORT MET H O D OF P A T T ERN D E VEL OP MEN T

Each step for developing the working drawing of the elbow

into individual template for the various egment i given in
detail in the three plate accompanying thi chapter.
View X I I I show the actual shape of the templates, each
below the piece for which it was made. At the left is the upper
segment, formed and seamed together, with the center segment
along side, and the lower egment at the right.
At the far right is the completed elbow, with the three
segments seamed and soldered together. Patterns for each
appear on the plates, so are not reproduced in the view.
To clearly illustrate the shape of the variou egments and
avoid complicating the patterns, they have been cut without
allowance for seams between sections. However, anyone who
has followed the Short Method of Pattern Development will
readily understand that allowances must be made for seaming
the various sections, and also for soldering ends of the com­
pleted fitting to adjoining part .
C H A PT E R EI G HT

Tee Joints

OW readers will find the Short Method applicable to one

N of the most difficult of layout problems-the Tee joint.
As we have seen in preceding chapters, the more intricate the
pattern problem at hand, the greater the aving in time.
There are two hort method for developing a standard
Tee joint of the kind shown by diagram in Plate ixteen and
by model in View X I V .
The fir t method to be explained, while not dead accurate,
i very satisfactory in practice and a valuable hort-cut for
ordinary job . The second method, described in part two of
this chapter, gives a more accurate fitting, but requires con­
siderably more time. Mastering the econd method, however,
is important ; for it will prove a great help in grasping develop­
ment to be introduced in the chapters that follow.
First Method

Exact ize and shape of the Tee joint required i indicated

in the drawing in Plate Sixteen. The haded part is that for
which a template and pattern will be required. No pattern will
be needed for the main body of the joint ; the circular opening
can simply be cut to fit.
Steps for the development of the template and pattern are
similar to tho e for the l O y " branch fitting de cribed in Chapter
ix. At the upper left in Plate ixteen i. a drawing of the
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

View XIV showing templote ond pattern for first method at the lower left, and for the

second method at the lower right. Above can be seen the two Tee joint segments, and

at the for riqht, the completed fitti n q .

cross section of the branch, with openings indicated. At the

top center, the template i laid out with half areas A' and C'
added to cross ection B'.
The reader will note that the radius of segment C' and e"
is less than the length of the template angles. Since the two
point of the segments must meet when bent, if they are to
form an unbroken pattern, they have been extended as shown
by areas outside the dotted lines. Radius of the segments (R)
is the same as the radiu of the circle or lower opening.
The pattern is produced by the usual method of chalking
the edges of the template and then rolling it over black building
paper. It will be found that the resulting pattern produces a
slightly tapered branch in tead of a true cylinder of uniform
diameter. However, thi is not a great di advantage. On most
jobs, in fact, it actually facilitates joining adjacent sections.
Then, in placing the completed branch over the main body
of the Tee, the fit again will be found not quite accurate. But
with just a little trimming you will have a smooth, snug joint
that easily can be soldered into a strong, lasting fitting.
[ 34 ]
S H O R T M E THOD O F P AT T E R N DEVE L O P M E N T

A
c
B

b. c

- -,
,
I
,

.
1-_-----'- - - - - - -
PAT TE RN - - - - --____ .J

PlATE SIXTEEN . SHORT METHOD PATTER" DEVELOPMENT RALPH W. POE

A � A.
- - ---\9-

, C
gB A

"t

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- PATTERN

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L-._____-l _ _ _ _ .:.. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ •
. SHORT METHOD �TTERN D£VELDPMENT • QAlJ>H N. POE
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

Part Two

Fir t step for making the econd method template is illu­

strated in the lower left corner of Plate Seventeen, where the
cross ection is shaded. Immediately above, at the upper left,
is this same branch as visualized from an end view. Circles at
the top and bottom indicate size of the openings.
The template for this method differ from the first chiefly
in that it is made from a cross section of the branch as seen
ITom the end of the Tee joint ; not from the side.
To the right of the end view is an "edge" view of the half
finished template, showing half of area A' added to cross sec­
tion B' ; and C' formed around the main body of the Tee.
Directly below is a perspective drawing showing the lower end
of the unfi n ished template formed around the main body of
the Tee.
The next step is to cut C' to fit the shape of the opening
required to join the branch to the main body.
A second perspective drawing hows this step completed.
The elevation at each point on C" corre ponds to a similar point
on A". This can be accompli hed by sketching the outline while
sighting over the half circle A", or by guiding a square around
the half circle and marking its course on C" to determine
the shape.
It i important to remember that thi hould be done alte?'
the template has been formed in the shape illustrated in the
first perspective drawing, at the left.
Second from the right, above, in Plate even teen, is the
template as it would appear flat, howing half area A", the full
cross section B", and the lower area C". At the extreme right,
above, is an "edge" view of the fi n ished template, and below
the pattern it produces when chalked and rolled.
View XIV at the left shows actual sheet metal models of
the branch and the main body of the Tee, before they have
been joined together. At the right can be een the completed
and soldered joint.
There is only one difference between the two templates in
actual u e. The fi rst produce a lightly tapered branch, while
the fitting produced by the econd is a true cylinder.
Either method will be uitable for the ordinary Tee joint8
you encounter in dust y tem and ventilating jobs. Under­
standing the second method, however, will prove of great valu
to you in mastering the chapters that follow.

r 6 1
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

C H A PT E R N I N E

Off-Center Tee

T oTeethejoining
experienced sheet metal worker the model off- center
pipes of dissimilar diameters in the upper right
of View XV will probably recall several trying layout jobs.
This extremely intricate fitting is often used to join branches
to main trunk line in smoke, blow-pipe and dust-collecting
installations where branches must be placed off-center to
provide clearance.
Possibly you have used it elsewhere. Yet even if you have,
you must have experienced difficulty in developing the pattern.
It's a tough one, sure enough. If you have never used it, a
glance at the completed model will quickly reveal the com­
plexity when using the ordinary square and compass method.
With the Short Method, development of the pattern is com­
paratively simple. Procedure differs from that of preceding
chapters in this way : two templates are used instead of one,
each producing only half the pattern. Instead of turning over
or reversing the original pattern as in the past, the two half
patterns are joined together. (See Plate 19) . Keep this point
in mind in studying the diagrams and in examining View XV.
The only part of the Tee for which a pattern will be needed

�
� CN
C.
�.
A B

-- PERSPECTIVES )

HALF PATTERN

[ 37 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

�c
A

�
c:
c'

PER SPE C TI VE S

FULL PAT TERN

'LATE N I N E E�N • S HOAT METHOD PATTERN DEVELOPMENT ,

is the branch. Once completed, the branch can be placed over

the larger pipe and an outline of the hole traced around it.
At the lower left in Plate 18 are both "side" and "end"
working drawing of the Tee Joint, Then at the upper left, an
identical "end" view is reproduced with an "edge" view of the
template indicated by heavy lines.
Also illustrated in Plate 18 are the steps necessary for
making the template of the right half of the branch-that
portion which extends down toward the center of the larger
pipe. The template is developed as shown at the upper left,
with area C formed around the large pipe. The procedure
again is illustrated below and at the right in a perspective
drawing.
At the top center of Plate 18 i a diagram showing the
template as it would appear fiat, with half upper area A'
added to cross ection B', Those who have closely followed the
hort Method will find this a familiar process by now.
Area C', as can be een, is bent to conform with the curve
of the larger pipe, that the elevation at each point on C'
corresponds to a similar point on A'. At the top right is an
0

"edge" view of the finished template, and a perspective draw­

ing below. Then at the lower right i the pattern produced by
template No. 1, which later must be joined to the pattern for
the other half branch.
[ 38 ]
 H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

Plate 1 9 shows development of the template for the second

half of the branch, beginning at the upper left with an "end"
dra wing of the Tee Joint. The section to be laid out is again
indicated by heavy lines.
At the top center the template is shown as it would appear
flat, and at the extreme top right as it would appear from
either end. Forming the template is illustrated in the first
perspective drawing at the left, while the right perspective
shows the true shape of the finished template. Here also
appears the pattern produced by template No. 2. Then at the
lower right is the complete working pattern, combining the
two half patterns produced by the templates.
Reference to the preceding chapter will explain two methods
for obtaining the circular shape of ends C. By the first method
the outline for C is drawn while sighting over end A, or the
half-circle. This method is not "dead" accurate, but reasonably
so for mo t practical work.
Where a more accurate pattern is required, the outline is
obtained by guiding a square around the half circle A" and
tracing its course on the curved surface C/. (See Chapter VIII ) .
Photograph XV at the bottom shows the two templates

View XV showing two templates, formed sections, and completed model

for intricate off-center Tee joint problem.

[ 39 ]
S H 0 R T M E T H O D 0F P A T T E R N D E V E L 0 P M' E N T

required to make the complete pattern ; at the center the t wo

pieces before being joined ; at the right the fini hed off-center
Tee joint.
Using ordinary care in marking the template will produce
a close fit, and very little trimming wiII be necessary.
Still, as explained before, the Short Method is not intended
to replace drafting room methods now in use, especially in
shops where accurate fittings must be made from the same
pattern day after day. Yet in the average shop, the Short
Method is both fast and practical, especially where the pattern
to be developed may be used on only one job.
C HAPTER TEN

Angular Joints

o the experienced sheet metal craft man, the model fitting

T in Views XVI and XVII will probably bring to mind layout
jobs that were real headaches. These models show a round
tapering branch intersection at an angle-an intricate fitting
often used in heating, ventilating and dust collecting systems
where branches join main trunk lines.

View XVI showing curvature of the template, and actual shape

of the segments and completed fitting.

[ 40 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

Employing the Short Method of Pattern Development, the

problem is rather simple. Plate Twenty illustrates the pro­
cedure, which differ from the la t chapter in this respect : only
one template is needed. At the left above and below are side
and end views of the intersection with heavy lines indicating
the form of the template. At the right is a ide view of the
template, and below a perspective drawing showing how area
C is rolled around the large pipe to form the lower end of
the template.
Second from the right, at the top, is the finished template,
with half area A" added to cross section B'. Shape and size of
C' are indicated in the diagram and again in the perspective
drawing below. At the extreme right, above, is an end view
of the finished template, while the pattern it produces appears
at the lower left.
Here as in earlier chapters the pattern is made by rolling
the chalked template, reversing the original pattern and join­
ing the long sides. The original pattern is identified by solid
lines, and the pattern reversed by dotted lines.
To complete the angular intersection, it is only necessary to
place the finished branch against the larger pipe and outline
the opening. Some trimming may be necessary, yet if care is
taken with the template, a nearly perfect fit may be expected.
View VXI reveals the template in the lower left corner, the
two parts before joining at the center and left, and the finished
angle fitting at the right.
Part Two

Plate 2 1, the la t problem in this series, indicates a round

tapering branch joining a larger pipe at an angle. The steps
for making the template are similar to those described in Part
One except that area "C" is irregularly curved.
Just how this irregular curve is obtained may be seen in
both the working and perspective drawings, where area C' is
rolled round the larger pipe. Plate 2 1 also includes an end
view of the finished template, a perspective view of the tem­
plate, and the pattern.
A in preceding chapters, the Short Method patterns illu-
trated here do not include an allowance for seams. The pat­
terns represent only the actual urface of the object. You must
make this seam allowance on one or more of the finished
segments.
In concluding the example problems there are several points
which seem of sufficient importance to merit repeating :
1. Where the template represent only half the finished
S I t OR '!' M E THOD OF P A TTERN D E VEL P MENT

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PLATE TWENTY • !MORT METHOD MTTIRN DRVCLAPMIlNT RALPH w. POE

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PLATE TWeNTY- ONI: . 5HORT MIlTHOD �TTIRM DlV£u)PMIlNT . R A L P H 'N. POE

r 42 1
S J I OR T ME T HOD OF PA T T E R N D E VE LOP MEN T

piece, it produces only half a pattern. To complete uch

pattern, reverse the original and match sides.
a

2 . Mo t patterns are symmetrical that either of two . ides

may be joined. Where there is this choice, you will find it
0

best to join the long side . hort seam are ea ier to make.
3. While the Short Method can be used for developing
almost every conceivable sheet metal fitting, not alway i it
practical. In the many cases where it i , this method is such a
time-saver that the average sheet metal craftsman cannot
afford to be without at least a working knowledge of it.
The Short Method of Pattern Development as presented
here will provide an excellent background for the man who
has the imagination to fir t vi ualize the completed fitting and
then develop his pattern. A thorough understanding of the
model fittings that have been described and illustrated in this
text will guarantee a good working knowledge of the method.
Naturally it is important the reader understand that making
patterns from prepared instructions and drawings is only a
beginning. Once the journeyman has mastered the Short
Method he should be able to make reasonably accurate working
drawings and lay out hi own templates. After the template is

View X V I I showing a second method for developing

on angular branch intersection fitting .

r 4 ]
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

formed, making the pattern and haping the piece are only
routine shop teps.
This booklet ha a much broader a p t than merely illu­
trating and explaining a limited group of layout problems.
It was publi hed to give readers an alternate and shorter
method of developing pattern. for intricate sheet metal fittings.

C H A PT ER E L E V E N

Ad j ustable Tem plate Holder

NE objection raised by men who have used the Short

O Method of Pattern Development is that often it requires
more time for them to form the template than would be needed
to develop the arne pattern by triangulation. To overcome
thi objection we offer an adjustable template holder that
simplifie and speeds up the Short Pattern Method.
This holder i adj u table in length and take interchange­
able templates. With it accurate patterns for all kinds of taper
fitting can be turned out rapidly and ea ily. No longer will

View XVIII illustrating how the inner slide o f the Ad justable Template Holder may be

reversed, a feature which makes the tool adaptable for short taper fittings.
S H O R T M E T H O D O F P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

E )
A D J U ST A B L E T E M PLAr E HOL D E R M E T H O D O F U SI N G

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Fly I FI Y. A.

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F I G 2. F I G. B

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T W E t-4 T V - TWO "o..J. TEMP HOLO£� St10IlT MElMOO SHEET MET,t.L PAT. O[V[LOPM£NT AA\.PH W. 90� lo/u/n

View XIX showing how the Ad justabl e Holder may be used for developing a simp l &
square o r rectangular t o round transition.

[ 45 ]
S H O R T M � T H O D O � PA T T E R N D E V E L OP ME N T

i t be necessary to form sepa rate a n d c um ber orne tem plates

for each layout. I n tead a la rge as ortment of flat rna tel'
templates can be de igned for the holder, m a k i ng po i ble a
ready solution for mo t any problem .
Design of the adj u table holder is so simple that any student
of the Short Method can make one in an hour o r so. For best
resu l ts the body shou ld be made of 24-gage gal va n i zed metal
or heavier. hape and proportionate size of the different
holder part are shown in Plate Twenty-Two, Figure 1 , 2 and
. The slide ( movable ection of the holde r ) shown in Figure 2
is cut and formed so that i t fit n ugly and evenly j ust i nside
the body. This section m ust re t in such a way that i t may be
moved back and forth ; and yet i t hould be tigh t enough to
prevent side-play and l i p p i ng of the holder.
The size of the holder hould vary accord ing to the diameter
of the tem plate u ed with it. For example, the i l l u trated
holder measu res 24 " in length, 4" in width, a n d ha an 1 8"
' l i de. Thi i a n i deal s i ze for ha n d l i ng tem plates up to 1 2"
i n d iameter. For template mea u r i ng more than 12" in diame­
ter, the holder should be made of a heavier gage metal and
have a wi der back for greater tability.
U e of the Adj u table Holder a re many. View X V I I I
i l l u strates how the s l i de may be rever ed for laying out excep-

View XX i l lustrates how the Ad justable Holder can be greatl y ex :ended

for laying out most any kind of taper fittings.

[ 46 ]
 H O R T M E T H O D OF P A T T E R N D E V E L O P M E N T

tionally short taper fitt i ng ' . View X I X hows u 'e o f the holde r
i n developi ng a quare to round transition of the k i nd often
u ed in heati ng and blower jobs. I n Figure " A " , " B" and
" e " the reader ees how the holder may be used for both con­
centric and eccentric tapers and transitions.
As with other tools, certa i n cautions m ust be ob erved i n
the u e o f the Adj ustable Holder. For exam ple, the tem plates
m ust be held tightly in place. If one l i ps after it has been
carefu lly centered in the pring cl i p there will be an error i n
t h e fi nished pattern. A n easy way t o guard agai nst uch error
is to make a small punch mark i n the center at the ba e of all
tem plates and then engage these in the mall holes centered at
the c l i p ends of the body and slide.
S pecial care m ust be taken to see that these master tem­
plates are flat. E ven slight va riations make for serious errors.
Equally i m portant, master templates placed in the holder mu t
be at right angles to the base. This poi n t has been t re ed i n
prece d i ng chapters a n d i s i m portant. Transfer o f the pattern
to black b u i l d i ng paper is the same '.vith the adj u stable holder
as with the formed tem plates described earlier in t h i s text.
Fi rst, edges of the i nserted template are chal ked, then the
com plete unit i s rolled. This makes exactly half of the pattern .
The secon d half i s obtai ned by i n verti ng the fi rst and matching
l i ke sides.
To keep the adj ustable template holder always at your
finger-tips, p unch a 1.4 " hole in the body and hang i t u p along­
side your other shop tools. Half c i rcle master templates for
all standard s izes should be made, labeled, and l ikewise h ung
up. A fter a short time it i s l i kely that the A dj ustable Holder
will become one of your best time-saver .
t i l l , with all the t i m e-saving possibi lities of the template
method of layout, we em phasi ze that never ha it been our
contention that the Short Method of Pattern Development w i l l
take t h e p lace of a thoro ugh knowledge of mathematical
pattern draft i ng. However, it is hoped that publication of
thi method i n text-book form will be of u e to many craftsmen
al ready proficient in pattern development. I t i a l so h o ped
that thi text will 'timulate i n te re t in sheet metal pattern
development among begin ners and a p p rentic , as wel l as
e x pe rien ced c raft m e n .

[ 47 ]
Do Yo u Have
These O ther Services ?

If t h i s hoo k i s i n te l'est i n g a n d h e l p f u l , you may wa n t t he e

o t h e r A R MCO serv i ce :

F u n damen tals of Pattern Draft ing and Blue Pri n t Reading

is a v a l u a b l e g u i d e for m a n y su cces f u l metal worker .
It bri ef, cl ear t reat men t of co m p l i cated p a t t e t'n d ra f t i n g
p tOob l em s, a n d s u gges t i o n for read i n g b l u e p r i n t s , prov i d e
a handy and t i m e-savi ng reference. Many h 'ade chool
i n s t ru c t o rs h a ve ado pted t h i s h o o k a ' a � t a n d a l"( 1 text 1'01'
t h ei t, s h eet m c t a l cl a sses. I t cost , o n l y 20 ('cnt ' ,

Ut h e t' A R. M CO serv ices i n c l u d e t h e boo k , i m plijietl Sys­

tem, of Cost A cco u n t in g alul Boo kkeeping, a com pa n i on
'erv iee, How to Make and A lUllyze a Fin an cial Statem e n t,
a n d a b i -m o n t h l y p a per, Ingot Iron Shop News, which
b r i n gs t h e l atest news o f t h e t rade. Q u al i fied h eet metal
con t racto rs may obtain t h ese serv i ce free t h rough
A R MCO D i s t ri b u t o rs.

Market Development Division

THE AMERICAN ROLLI NG MILL COMPANY

Middletown, Oh io

.:;::. 2500 1 1 -4 1
 A RM C O P ro d u c t s
ALLOY COATED SHEETS • AUTOMOBILE SHEETS •

COLD ROLLED SHEETS AND STRIP • ELECTRICAL

SHEETS • ENAMEUNG mON SHEETS • FURNITURE

SHEETS � GALVANIZED ARMCO INGOT IRON SHEETS

•
• GALVANIZED COPPER-BEARING STEEL SHEETS

GALVANIZED PAINTGRIP SHEETS • GALVANIZED

STEEL SHEETS • HOT AND COLD ROLLED COILS

• HEAVY B OT ROLLED SHEETS • HOT ROLLED

ANNEALED SHEETS • TERNE COATED SHEETS • HOT

ROLLED STRIP • STAINLESS STEEL SHEETS AND

STRIP • SPIRAL WELDED PIPE • PLATES • BILLETS

• ROOFING AND SIDING • WROUGHT STEEL WHEELS

• CASTINGS : PIG mON • COAL.

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