Where can I get patterns to trace out onto a blank before I stark working on it?
I don't necessarily want to follow the pattern, just get an idea of how it should be laid out.

I think Jerry Fisher still sells his patterns.

Otherwise, look at the Searcy Memorial Scholarship thread. Mr. Wiebe basically takes you through all of the steps you need to lay out your own pattern.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?s...id=420284&t=11082005

Terry

Exp; I made myself 3 patterns for "generic" gunstocks out of thin plexi-glass. One for rifle stocks, one for shotguns and another for straight stocks. The advantage is you can see the grain through the p-g and get the best in grain layout. you can use any stock at hand that you like to make your p-g patterns, just make the patterns slightly larger to allow for hand / machine work. --- John 303.