PDA

View Full Version : What do you cut your templates from???



TTIT
29th November 2010, 05:29 PM
I've used cereal packet cardboard to make my templates for years but it's a mongrel to get a good edge on and isn't very durable so I'm looking for something better :think:

I'm almost sold on 250 micron A4 frosted PVC binding covers but I can't even get hold of one to try out here without buying a pack of 100 for about $40. Anyone got any ideas for something better than Coco-Pops packs that isn't too hard to get hold of???? :?

RETIRED
29th November 2010, 05:42 PM
Ken Wraight uses tin but he has the gear to cut it (the mongrel:D).

I have used thin aluminium sheet, shim brass, 3mm MDF and the plastic packaging that you can't get into:rolleyes:

I found shim brass (about .020) good because it is reasonably strong and you can cut it with scissors.

RETIRED
29th November 2010, 05:48 PM
I forgot one thing that I used to use a lot of.

Heavy gasket paper. I don't know whether you can even buy it now but Repco (when they weren't a lolly shop) used to carry it.

It cuts easily and is exceptionally strong.

jimbur
29th November 2010, 06:07 PM
Thin ply, plastic that has covered carpet samples, cut open plastic milk bottles in fact anything that might work.
cheers,
Jim

Oddjob1
29th November 2010, 06:14 PM
Hi guys,

are you talking about templates for lathe work? If so, I don't have any! What I do is make the first item, sit it on the apron and just copy using just my eye. After a bit you will be surprised at how close you can get doing it this way. But really, I Texta the design on my fence with the original for reference. I keep the original as my pattern.
If you look at furniture through history you can see pics of guys working green in the bush with piles of components next to them, You don't see any patterns laying around do you!
Ps, , if you can put up with my posts, you must be a pretty good bloke! Don't take any crap from whatsisname, OK!
And TTIT! What kind of user name is that? I Googled it and found myself on some porno site!!! For hours:rolleyes:

Cheers...Oddjob1

jimbur
29th November 2010, 06:14 PM
Anyone got any ideas for something better than Coco-Pops packs that isn't too hard to get hold of???? :?
ps need healthier diet with better packing:U

Oddjob1
29th November 2010, 06:42 PM
Maybe "Just right"!:Dddjob1

texx
29th November 2010, 06:50 PM
i mainly buy a few sheets of thin cardboard from the news agent next door .
when i was younger and doing a lot of mechanical stuff i used up my share of cornflake boxes to make gaskets though ..
i also use the lids and the sides from 4 litre ice cream tubs for many things , the lids make good pallets for mixing glue on.

Sawdust Maker
29th November 2010, 07:30 PM
I'm using the cereal packets
plus the odd larger lego box

did manage to scrounge some 3mm or 5mm perspex type stuff. Was thinking of using it after I make one or two Longworth chucks

what's wrong with masonite or even 3 mm mdf


In any event what would be wrong with painting the edges of the corny cardboard with varnish or somesuch, would have to increase longevity

RETIRED
29th November 2010, 08:31 PM
Hi guys,


Ps, , if you can put up with my posts, you must be a pretty good bloke! Don't take any crap from whatsisname, OK!
And TTIT! What kind of user name is that? I Googled it and found myself on some porno site!!! For hours:rolleyes:

Cheers...Oddjob1?

TTIT
29th November 2010, 08:49 PM
Forgot to mention the reasons I like the idea of the PVC sheet...
1. Easy to mark/draw on (I think!)
2. Flexible to fit inside forms, under lips etc.
3. Easy to cut with knives and my compass knife for really accurate arcs.
4. Frosted/white for good contrast against timber.
5. Edges won't fray with use.



..............what's wrong with masonite or even 3 mm mdf
In any event what would be wrong with painting the edges of the corny cardboard with varnish or somesuch, would have to increase longevitySee reason 3. :;


........
If you look at furniture through history you can see pics of guys working green in the bush with piles of components next to them, You don't see any patterns laying around do you!
And TTIT! What kind of user name is that? I Googled it and found myself on some porno site!!! For hours:rolleyes:.......I use templates where accuracy has to be better than you can eyeball - like my entry in 's 50mm challenge. ( post #69 here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f234/new-challenge-124642/index5.html))
Once you're finished with the , try a search for Turning Trees Into Toothpicks :doh:


..................I found shim brass (about .020) good because it is reasonably strong and you can cut it with scissors.:think: Fits most of the criteria but the cost of it is a bit steep for one-off projects. :no:

John T
29th November 2010, 09:02 PM
Try old xrays:;

RETIRED
29th November 2010, 09:07 PM
I have never used templates on production turning of legs etc but sometimes in one off complex copying jobs I have had to.



Hi guys,

are you talking about templates for lathe work? If so, I don't have any! What I do is make the first item, sit it on the apron and just copy using just my eye. After a bit you will be surprised at how close you can get doing it this way. But really, I Texta the design on my fence with the original for reference. I keep the original as my pattern.
If you look at furniture through history you can see pics of guys working green in the bush with piles of components next to them, You don't see any patterns laying around do you!
Ps, , if you can put up with my posts, you must be a pretty good bloke! Don't take any crap from whatsisname, OK!
And TTIT! What kind of user name is that? I Googled it and found myself on some porno site!!! For hours:rolleyes:

Cheers...Oddjob1

China
29th November 2010, 09:10 PM
You can buy template material made from thin plastic sheet at sewing shops

powderpost
29th November 2010, 09:33 PM
Vern,
I have used ice cream containers and their lids. I also have acquired some long (about 250 long) plastic containers the specialist ice cream shops use. You can write on them with fine textra pens and they can be cut with scissors. There may also be some plastic packaging available from a hardware store. I have also used opened out soft drink cans.
Jim

dai sensei
29th November 2010, 10:56 PM
I got quite a few PVC sheets from a local perspex supplier, 0.5mm and 1mm thick, in various colours. A1 size sheets for around $12. Work well for templates, but also shims & laminates.

TTIT
29th November 2010, 11:50 PM
You can buy template material made from thin plastic sheet at sewing shopsYou're a bloody marvel China :hpydans2::hpydans2::hpydans2:I'll bet that's the stuff I've been thinking of but just couldn't place :doh: and the best bit is....... we've actually got a big sewing place out here - will check them out tomorrow. Hmmmm :think: the ex used to do a bit of sewing - maybe that's where I remembered it from :shrug:

As an aside ..... I tried out one of the clear binder covers tonight and it did everything I wanted of it except that being transparent meant I had to colour the edge with black Nikko to be able to see it and then you can't see the shadow which makes it difficult to use. Pretty sure the frosted stuff would work well :;

Evan Pavlidis
30th November 2010, 03:09 AM
You're a bloody marvel China :hpydans2::hpydans2::hpydans2:I'll bet that's the stuff I've been thinking of but just couldn't place :doh: and the best bit is....... we've actually got a big sewing place out here - will check them out tomorrow. Hmmmm :think: the ex used to do a bit of sewing - maybe that's where I remembered it from :shrug:

As an aside ..... I tried out one of the clear binder covers tonight and it did everything I wanted of it except that being transparent meant I had to colour the edge with black Nikko to be able to see it and then you can't see the shadow which makes it difficult to use. Pretty sure the frosted stuff would work well :;


G'day Vern,

Just read this post and thought you could also go to officeworks and pick up those plastic A4 binders and use the front and back covers. See below


cheers, Evan

bookend
30th November 2010, 03:44 AM
It sounds like you have your solution but here is another idea.

Why not give your local art supplies store a call? If it is a good one, the shop assistants can be really clever. Last time I went into mine, they went out the back and got some weird packing material I had never seen before, that wasn't for sale but was perfect, and wished me luck with it.

It is interesting to see what can be suggested.

TTIT
30th November 2010, 09:31 AM
G'day Vern,

Just read this post and thought you could also go to officeworks and pick up those plastic A4 binders and use the front and back covers. See below


cheers, EvanThey are pretty much the same as the PVC binding covers I wanted to try out but couldn't get without buying a pack of 100 - I think they might be a bit thicker and would be expensive in that from but would work just as well :U


It sounds like you have your solution but here is another idea.

Why not give your local art supplies store a call? If it is a good one, the shop assistants can be really clever. Last time I went into mine, they went out the back and got some weird packing material I had never seen before, that wasn't for sale but was perfect, and wished me luck with it.

It is interesting to see what can be suggested.Hmmmm :think: A few people have suggested some form of packaging they have seen but I haven't been able to get a good lead on it. Our "art supplies" consists of a little shelf in the back corner of the newsagents - not much happening there :shrug:

jimbur
30th November 2010, 09:51 AM
are you talking about templates for lathe work? If so, I don't have any! What I do is make the first item, sit it on the apron and just copy using just my eye. Cheers...Oddjob1
I rarely use a cut-out template but I have the main marking points, measurements and a rough drawing.
Cheers,
Jim

Oddjob1
30th November 2010, 11:07 AM
G'day Vern,

I checked out your website and let me say you do some pretty nice stuff! I like the brass infill's, of course down here in the goldfields we use gold. Doesn't tarnish when a bit of finish comes off and theres always plenty of the stuff laying around in the bush for free, so no need to cut up any old taps etc.:D
All jokes aside, have you tried perspex? Comes in many different thicknesses and can be worked to a fine edge, shaved, you name it.

PS, Have you done any eggs out of wa blackboy? Pretty nice stuff but mask up hey, nasty dust!

Cheers...Oddjob1

TTIT
30th November 2010, 11:30 AM
G'day Vern,

I checked out your website and let me say you do some pretty nice stuff! I like the brass infill's, of course down here in the goldfields we use gold. Doesn't tarnish when a bit of finish comes off and theres always plenty of the stuff laying around in the bush for free, so no need to cut up any old taps etc.:D
All jokes aside, have you tried perspex? Comes in many different thicknesses and can be worked to a fine edge, shaved, you name it.

PS, Have you done any eggs out of wa blackboy? Pretty nice stuff but mask up hey, nasty dust!

Cheers...Oddjob1Thanks for checking the website out.
Neil also suggested perspex but the thinnest available here is 3mm and I want something I can cut with one pass of a knife. As soon as I can escape the office I'm heading for the sewing place with fingers crossed.:;

PS: Egg number 256 (http://www.ttit.id.au/eggpage/alleggs.htm)

RETIRED
30th November 2010, 12:07 PM
They are pretty much the same as the PVC binding covers I wanted to try out but couldn't get without buying a pack of 100 - I think they might be a bit thicker and would be expensive in that from but would work just as well :U

Hmmmm :think: A few people have suggested some form of packaging they have seen but I haven't been able to get a good lead on it. Our "art supplies" consists of a little shelf in the back corner of the newsagents - not much happening there :shrug:That'll teach you for living out in the sticks. :whistling2:

TTIT
30th November 2010, 12:16 PM
That'll teach you for living out in the sticks. :whistling2:...yup.... but ain't they just the purtiest sticks :;

RETIRED
30th November 2010, 01:03 PM
Yep....:D

Ed Reiss
30th November 2010, 01:04 PM
for long lasting templates use linoleum !!

NeilS
30th November 2010, 01:22 PM
As an aside ..... I tried out one of the clear binder covers tonight and it did everything I wanted of it except that being transparent meant I had to colour the edge with black Nikko to be able to see it and then you can't see the shadow which makes it difficult to use. Pretty sure the frosted stuff would work well :;

Fine sandpaper the clear plastic to make it frosted.

My used faceshield polycarb sheets are almost frosted by the time I replace them...:U

Rarely ever use templates myself, but then I'm a mere bowl turner and mine don't come in matching sets...:rolleyes:

.

hughie
30th November 2010, 01:34 PM
Rarely ever use templates myself, but then I'm a mere bowl turner and mine don't come in matching sets...:rolleyes:

.


yeah me too, us artistes don't do replications.......... :D

jimbur
30th November 2010, 02:05 PM
yeah me too, us artistes don't do replications.......... :D
Yep artistes balance on one-legged stools:D
Cheers,
Jim

KenW
30th November 2010, 08:42 PM
Ken Wraight uses tin but he has the gear to cut it (the mongrel:D).

I have used thin aluminium sheet, shim brass, 3mm MDF and the plastic packaging that you can't get into:rolleyes:

I found shim brass (about .020) good because it is reasonably strong and you can cut it with scissors.
I use 1mm steel for realy accurate work, and cereal boxes for normal work.
Any material over 1mm thick is too hard to get an accurate reading from.
Cardboard makes the best templates. With a cardboard template, if your work doesn't match the template, just push harder and the template always matches.

TTIT
30th November 2010, 10:47 PM
Got a sheet of the stuff China suggested today and while it is great stuff for it's intended purpose, I think it's going to be too transparent for my eyesight - jusy a lightly frosted texture. Been all over this town today - even discovered we DO have an arts supplies (even if it is just operating out of a shed in somebodys backyard!!!) and it's looking like Evan's suggestion of the A4 binder covers might be the best solution for me. Bloke that run's the newsagents reckons they'll be down to about 50cents a piece in a couple of weeks for the back-to-school specials :2tsup:



I use 1mm steel for realy accurate work, and cereal boxes for normal work.
Any material over 1mm thick is too hard to get an accurate reading from.
Cardboard makes the best templates. With a cardboard template, if your work doesn't match the template, just push harder and the template always matches.With my plate cutting abilities, it would take longer to make the template from 1mm steel than it would to finish the piece :o - and I wish I had been able to describe the shape matching abilities of cardboard templates as well when I started this thread :B

joe greiner
1st December 2010, 12:27 AM
Depending on brand, cracker boxes can be a little tougher than cereal boxes.

Expired credit cards are even tougher, but not very big. There's usually enough blank space for a pattern.

For all of those, I draw the pattern in CAD (which isn't necessary - hand drawing is adequate), and print the pattern. Then attach to the template material with spray adhesive for cutting. Usually cut with scissors or craft knife.

Cheers,
Joe

Sawdust Maker
7th December 2010, 10:18 PM
Vern

I was down at the local print shop today

Their plates (?) are thin aluminium and usually junked at the end of a run. These are very thin, no idea of thickness.
The plates are also packaged between slimmish cardboard or plastic (1mm?)
oh btw the plates I saw are probably A1 size

Is this the sort of stuff you are after? It's coloured. The piece I got is whiteish, can also be red

TTIT
7th December 2010, 11:08 PM
Vern

I was down at the local print shop today

Their plates (?) are thin aluminium and usually junked at the end of a run. These are very thin, no idea of thickness.
The plates are also packaged between slimmish cardboard or plastic (1mm?)
oh btw the plates I saw are probably A1 size

Is this the sort of stuff you are after? It's coloured. The piece I got is whiteish, can also be redSounds interesting :think: I'll have to check out the local-rag.
I think I've found the perfect material but I'm trying to find a source where I don't have to buy a full 2440x1220 sheet 'cos I'd just never use it all - it's cheap as chips but I just don't want that much and it has to come all the way from Sydney.
Foamed PVC - branded as "Foamex". I've had some 3mm and 6mm for a while but I only just discovered they also make it in 1mm which would be perfect. Cut's really easily, stiff enough at 3mm but I'm not sure of the 1mm until I get my hands on some. Stark white and anything will write on it. I'll update the thread again when I get to play with some. :;

hughie
8th December 2010, 12:05 AM
Vern, maybe these guys might have some sheeting. I will interested in what you turn up.

PLASTIX - PERSPEX SYDNEY (http://www.plastix.com.au/index.html)

or here
http://www.pacwestcorp.com.au/Plastic%20Sheets.html

TTIT
8th December 2010, 08:53 AM
Vern, maybe these guys might have some sheeting. I will interested in what you turn up.

PLASTIX - PERSPEX SYDNEY (http://www.plastix.com.au/index.html)

......That's actually the mob I got a price from - only $20 a sheet cut into 8 equal pieces for shipping but they didn't give me a price on the shipping. Not sure of the weight but it shouldn't be more than 2kg which would put the postage at about $13 :shrug:

jimbur
8th December 2010, 12:11 PM
That's actually the mob I got a price from - only $20 a sheet cut into 8 equal pieces for shipping but they didn't give me a price on the shipping. Not sure of the weight but it shouldn't be more than 2kg which would put the postage at about $13 :shrug:
That's a great price considering the messing around looking for suitable material in the shed.
Jim

Old Croc
9th December 2010, 07:55 AM
Got a sheet of the stuff China suggested today and while it is great stuff for it's intended purpose, I think it's going to be too transparent for my eyesight - jusy a lightly frosted texture. Been all over this town today - even discovered we DO have an arts supplies (even if it is just operating out of a shed in somebodys backyard!!!) and it's looking like Evan's suggestion of the A4 binder covers might be the best solution for me. Bloke that run's the newsagents reckons they'll be down to about 50cents a piece in a couple of weeks for the back-to-school specials :2tsup:


With my plate cutting abilities, it would take longer to make the template from 1mm steel than it would to finish the piece :o - and I wish I had been able to describe the shape matching abilities of cardboard templates as well when I started this thread :B
Vern,
I have a fair quantity of 1.5mm Polycarbonate sheeting that is good for what you want, you just run an orbital sander over it to make it dull and it is easy to grind/sand/cut to shape, and is not brittle. Give me a call sometime,
Crocy,