I take a ruler and mark off an accurate ruler line on the original. Then when the copy comes out it is easy to tell right there if it is correct.

I just called Kinko's, and the guy said he would charge $0.75 per sq. ft. He also assured me he would get a 1:1 copy to the original.

Since I agreed to the $1.25 at the local place, I feel obligated to give them the opportunity to supply correct copies. If they can't, I'll ask for a refund since I told them up front what I wanted.

When you mark out a rule, I suggest that you mark out both vertical and horizontal rules to insure both scale and proportionality.

Scott

Just got back from the reproduction place. I took my original drawing and showed her how the notched TE lined up with all of the ribs. Then I showed her how her copy did not do the same thing. She was shocked. We went to the back and she showed me where her Zerox machine was set to 100%. Since the copy was a little short, so she tried 102%, and it came just a tad big. Next, she tried 101.5, and the copy came out very close. I wouldn't say its perfect, but its close enough. She told me to remember the setting for next time. I was pleasantly surprised that she ran several copies until I was satisfied.

Kelsey, nice to hear you finally got what you paid for! It appears as though a technician needs to pay a visit to hear place of business, hummm? Take care and be well.

Thanks Blueline,

I'm definitely in a better mood. My daughter is ready to build her first plane, and I wanted to get started this weekend.

My guess is that the great majority of copies don't have to be a 100% duplicate of the original. Most people just want a copy, and don't need a scaled version. This lady was surprised. She thought being Zerox, 100% meant a full scale copy.

I feeling much better now.

My Kinkos copies are about 1% to 2% large. I complained and we ran the copy, not the original, at 98% and it was dead on. They used to be .50 per sq. foot, but have recently gone to .65. Try that approach and see if they will give. If they do, and it it not critical, you have two plans.

WOW, guess I've been getting lucky with Kinkos. I have used their machines to scan TIFF files (for which they're kind enough not to charge me) and I convert them into PDF as well at home (Kinkos around here WILL NOT print anything large scale unless it's a PDF, and they'll charge $2.50 to convert it). The files, incidently, print the same from PDF or TIFF.

Everything that I've scanned on their large format printer/scanner (36 inch roller) has printed off to within 1/64 or perfect, depending on the original Seems to be highly dependent on the quality of the original and the light permeability of the original paper. The thicker the paper, seems like more light reflects off of it and gives a trued copy. 1/64 is well within the tolerance of most people's cutting, so it's a matter of knowing when to cut the line, and when to leave it and sand to it before removing the pattern.

I recently also discovered the blueprint services of a local architect. Less than 1/2 of the cost of Kinkos, much more knowledgeable, and a heck of a lot nicer folks, what a bonus. They'll get getting all of my business from now on.

Tom

SUPER. THE BIGGER THE BETTER