Tracing Paper Alts?

[Quofalcon]

Someone punish me it's been too long since I last posted here!

I'm wondering if anyone knows a decent alternative to the average tracing papers found in art/craft stores? Most are expensive, to me; coming in pads of a few papers per pad, which is a little too little for the prices given, for a guy like me. I have a bunch of really rough sketches and doodles and have been using regular old copy paper which is decently thin enough to see the line details through, with the aid of some lighting. Is there a 'thinner', lighter weight and or alternative to this and average tracing papers?

-Quo

[Mirana]

I don't think there is anything more basic or cheap than tracing paper (though it's likely cheaper in roll form than pad). Light boxes can be fairly cheap if you consider their use pushing out the need for tracing paper and the fact that you can make your own (do a search and find some threads going over that subject).

[sigmadog]

I never buy tracing paper by the pad. I always by it by the roll. Much cheaper. Any well-stocked art/craft store should have the rolls. Check in the drafting supply section.

[Quofalcon]

By the roll, havn't thought about that. I do have a small, cheap lightbox bought straight from the art store and it's had its good uses. Only problem with it is when ya someplace without a power outlet!
I'm going to look out for those rolls! :P I've found that DickBlick sells some by the roll. Is there any other online store that provides them?

[Mirana]

Goooooogle (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=art+supply+store&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=)

[rpace]

Your standard pad of bond paper is usually more translucent than photocopy paper. I do most of my work related drawing on that and easily see rough sketches when placed beneath the next sheet.

I only use my lightbox when tracing onto bristol board.

~R

[Justin.]

Marker paper is expensive, but looks more "opaque" when nothing is underneath it.

[Black Spot]

Grease proof paper in the kitchen section makes great tracing paper.

[kennygeeze]

I use borden and riley visual layout bond. Chalk white bond of the same brand is cheaper , however somewhat less translucent. Still easier to see through than printer paper though... and i find it better to draw on as well.

[dose]

Consider a lightbox. It's a bigger investment up front, but can save you money in the long run over tracing paper since you can use just about any paper on it. And, since you can use any paper the light can get through, you can use it to trace onto nicer paper for cleanup, inking, or paints. It's especially nice for inking, since if you screw up badly enough to warrant starting over, your original drawing is undamaged.

The cheapest I've seen is the Artograph Lightracer 10x12. I remember seeing it recently at DickBlick.com for around $30. You might be able to find it elsewhere cheaper.

[serhc]

artograph lightracer - that is such an awesome name. that's like, five puns in six syllables