i just picked up some tools today to make a hotwire template out of masonite, and in the process i also picked up a new tool to trace my board outlines with. its a very flexible 8 foot long x 1inch wide piece of plastic used for screens on screened in porches, you screw it into your wall, and then it holds the screen in place.
so i have an idea, not sure if its been said before, but instead of cutting templates out of masonite, could you use the board outlining edge the same way for rocker guides?
i.e. plot your rocker dimension points on the flat side of your foam block, on both sides, insert sturdy enough nails into your points, rest the flexible guide on your nails so it curves to what your rocker would look like, secure them in place with tape, do the same thing with another guide on the other side, then use your hot wire cutter along your securely placed guide. take it off flip your board over and do the bottom curve of your rail.
i think it’d be much easier than having to cut out and sand perfect templates.
anyone tried it?