How to prepare and print the template
The nail count must match your generated pin sequence exactly. A sequence created for 200 pins cannot be followed on a 288-pin board because every number refers to a different angular position. New projects use pin 0 on the right (3 o’clock), increasing clockwise, as the generator has always done. Older templates and instructions placed pin 0 at the top. For an existing piece, choose the origin already used on your board and import the sequence with that same choice. Do not renumber pins or rotate a partly completed piece. Check your physical kit template before starting.
Workflow
- Choose the same nail count used in the photo generator, from 50 to 500.
- Select Update Template and check the calculated spacing.
- Download the SVG when you need scalable vector output, or use the print dialog to save a PDF.
- Set the final print size for your board. A 600 mm circle is larger than A4 or Letter paper, so it must be tiled across sheets or printed by a large-format service.
- Measure the printed circle before marking the board. Browser and printer “fit to page” settings can reduce the output.
- Attach the paper securely, mark each numbered position, then remove the paper before winding.
How spacing is calculated
The displayed spacing is the circle circumference divided by the nail count: π × diameter ÷ nails. It is the center-to-center distance along the 600 mm nail circle, not the gap between the metal edges of adjacent nails.
| Nails | Spacing on a 600 mm circle | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 18.85 mm | Widest spacing in this comparison |
| 200 | 9.42 mm | Matches the StringAr materials kit |
| 288 | 6.54 mm | Smaller spacing than the 200-pin layout |
| 400 | 4.71 mm | Smallest spacing in this comparison |
Before hammering
- Confirm that the board is large enough for the printed circle and an outer margin.
- Check that all numbers are readable and progress clockwise without missing or duplicated positions.
- Use a center punch or awl for consistent starting marks, and wear eye protection when hammering.
- Keep every nail at a similar height so the thread layers remain even.