On Fri, 13 Feb 2004 21:52:07 GMT, Bay Area Dave wrote:

HOw can I create a fair curve about 36" long that isn't merely
an arc of a circle.

Use a French curve (or a Freedom Curve if you prefer). If you don't
have some, go buy a set of small plastic ones. Then photocopy them at
several enlargements and scroll saw out some big MDF or clear Perspex
versions.

The trick to using a French curve is to remember that every point
where two curves meet should be a smooth join, i.e. their tangents are
on the same line. This implies that the perpendicular to both curves
should be on the same line, which is why some curves have
perpendiculars marked at intervals.

French curves - hard to make your own shape (you can, if you Google)
but useful and worth having around.

--
Smert' spamionam