Why do all of the designs on the site have dotted lines on the template? The solid outside line makes sense; it defines the edge of the block and can be set to 40”x20” (or a little smaller, just in case). But if you print out the template, even with a basic inkjet printer or a projector (opaque or overhead) to transfer the template drawing to a large sheet of paper, then the dotted lines don’t help at all.

    The dotted lines come into play if you elect (or need) to carve the sculpture without a template. It’s far easier to accurately transfer a design to your ice if the design is broken into smaller, more manageable pieces. Prior to beginning your drawing on the ice, use a score stick and ice pick to mark off the lines on your block. If your block is standard size, your small dotted rectangles should measure 10”x5”, but as long as you maintain the same proportions, then it doesn’t matter what size they are.

    The dotted lines give you the option of using another transfer method if you can’t or don’t want to make a template. Templates are recommended, but there are circumstances where making one doesn’t help, such as if you don’t know what size ice blocks you’re dealing with until you get to where you’re carving. It’s also useful practice to try carving without a template once in a while. As far as actually drawing on the ice, keep an eye out for an upcoming entry about a very useful little tool called a Junichi saw...