Make template, how best to draw it in CAD

[rooster433]

Hey,

I routinely make gaskets, or plates, etc that have unusual shapes and I do not have the original drawings for. What would be the best way to import or draw these things in solid works.

So far I've been taking a picture of them and using them as a backdrop in solidworks to trace. This never gets it completely right as there are some parallax error.

Here is an example of something I've drawn. It took me 3-4 tries to get about like I want it.

[rooster433]

Note, I do not have access to any CMM or expensive equipment

[DareBee]

Take a picture to look a for reference.
Measure it with Vernier calipers and use the numbers.

[thebaconbits]

I've used this to help with pictures and such and it comes out really close to what I want. Perhaps it can help you.

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt3o6aZnniA"]YouTube- Solidworks Sketch Picture Scaling