How Do You Guys Make You Templates

[loudandproud]

I just order a warmoth neck and it is going to take about a month and a half to get here so i have some time, but:

How do you all make you templates?

Accurate templates.

I was thinking of masonite and cutting on a scroll saw but i dont think that would hold a bit well or even cut out that accurate.

Ideas, tips and pointers welcome?

[Nitefly SA]

most templates are made of masonite

[MoCaster]

I use MDF cut out with a scroll saw, then sand the edge to get it perfect.

Edited February 21, 2006 by MoCaster

[n8rofwyo]

I use mdf, as well, for my templates. I refuse to use masonite for two reasons:

1) I prefer a 1/2" template, masonite is only available locally in 1/4".

2) I don't like the way masonite cuts, it seems to chip on the harder outer surface frequently and the inner core is so soft it is easily gouged.

As far as making the pattern goes, I cut with a bandsaw or jigsaw then rough in with a pattern makers rasp and finally smooth with a flexible sanding stick loaded with 80 grit sandpaper.

[thegarehanman]

Birch plywood is also very suitable for templates.

[Hughes]

to actually make templates i do:

body - i rough sketch it on my plywood, cut with a bandsaw then use a drum sander to make everything flush

neck pocket - a straight piece of pine and a router. Double stick tape the the straight piece of wood to the outline of the neck and then use a cutter bit

control cavity (long hotdog style one found on bronze BC riches) - I take one of those gigantic bits (forget the name) and drill two holes the right length. then i use a straight edges to connect the to holes and rout it out until where the part begins to curves. perfect round edges.

i do this two times, one big for the ledge, the other a bit smaller for the deep part

[goth_fiend]

I use acyrilic sheets, I buy them in 4' x 6' sections @ the home despot and use a dremel to cut out what I need, then go over them with a file and sandpaper until smooth

[Mattia]

I use 1/4"-3/8" MDF for the inital template; it's easy to work, consistent, etc. I then use that template to make a 'master' template in high quality birch ply, which is a good deal more sturdy. I don't trust acrylic because I've had a router bit bearing seize up and burn through it. Won't happen with 1/2" high quality ply.

[mammoth guitars]

We have used the 2x4 "handy panel" from the orange depot. They sand very well and do not dent like MDF or masonite. Make a master from 1/2 inch Acrylite.