I know there is a thread in the archives on how to map out a oval using a string but it links to a book which doesn't give a lot of detail on how to do it.

Does anyone have a diagram or a link on how to lay out the lines and measurements? Any help would be much appreciated.

Get in touch with NAFA and they will send you a beaver board template. If you plan to make a lot of boards or may need more in the future I recommend using the template to make a tracing pattern out of cardboard or poster board. I made mine out of the mat board used in picture framing. Also alternate the colors you trace the lines onto your boards so it is easier to keep track of the line you are following.

Just get the wood stencils from a vendor. I hated the NAFA things

Get the patterns from Nafa.Their reps pass them out at council meetings,workshops and conventions.

Didn’t you post one that you could print out on a regular printer and tape it together?

Not I. I havent had the paper one in 15 years.

Get the NAFA paper template and make your own wood stencils out of 1/8" hardboard. Just tape the paper and cut out the rings with an Exatco knife, then you'll have then for future use and you won't have the break lines in the stencil.

There used to be one available. I have used it before. I can't seem to locate it now though.

Now that I think about it, there was a PDF that you could print from but most people don't have access to a printer big enough to do this.

Thanks for the help, guys. I searched in vain to find a template from NAFA but I did eventually find what I was looking for. I'll post it here just in case someone else might want it. Corny video but it shows how it's done.

https://youtu.be/hp7AxUVX714

No, that's not it. The other one came as a print out for standard copy paper took several pages, with each being a different part of the pattern. You overlaid the sheets and taped them together to form the entire pattern. I'm not sure who hosted it, but there must not of been any money in it so it was taken down.

I just did this with the paper (sent free from either NAFA or FHA, I don't remember).

Not the best option but if you go the paper-route:

Take the extra time to make a Template FROM the paper-template on like cardboard or thin plywood or something. My ovals are "crappy but effective I guess."

Seems pretty easy to me mark center on your board. Draw the lines so they go all the way across the board. Lay the first segment at the center make your mark then just flip that segment to the other 3 corners. Then do that same with the next segments,

I gave a buddy the paper template and he used his scroll saw and made me template.

I followed the YouTube video and made a great oval. It's not hard at all once you have the formula.

This is what I use:
https://www.fntpost.com/Products/Beaver+Hoops+Patterns/Beaver+Board+Stencil+Pattern

I had got my pattern from NAFA at one of the NTA conventions at there booth . They give them out ,also a manual on fur handle .

Hey Posco if you would like a couple of beaver boards the next time I come up to camp in Milo Maine I'll bring them with me.

You can have them for free.

I have these as xtras and haven't used them in years.

That's very kind of you for offering. Be a good chance to meet a fellow trapper.