What is the best method for cutting templates to insure you have smooth curves?
Also what is the best material to use? I have been using 1/8" door skin, and cutting with bosch jigsaw with a blade for smooth cuts, but would love to hear what the pros do.Thanks, Feltser.
I think you got it right, but I’m no pro and don’t (yet, but soon) use templates. I rely on scaling photos I like. 3-ply wood tears and splinters a lot under my sabersaw, probably need to use a blade with finer teeth. Oh well, some quick sanding generally cures the jaggeds.
I use 1/8 or 1/4 Hardboard (Masonite) I get mine at Lows Home Improvement center. Cut it with your jigsaw use a hand plane to get the high and low spots. run some 220 grit screen over the sharp edges and you are set to go…
lowes has masonite?? shit…i should look harder. how long of a sheet can i get?
i ran across some heavy plastic(1/8 thick)i’m going to try out. much easier to cut for templates,its longer than 8’,and can be rolled up for storage.
Brandon. the Lowes in Vista has it… it’s good quality stuff with both sides smooth. I have only seen it in 4’x8’ sheets.
Greg. I use 1mm thick white plastic sheets that I get at Ridout Plastics. I make my first attempt of the template on the plastic then if I like the board from that template I make a final one out of the hardboard…
actually its like a heavy vinyl. the artists who touch up the sets at my work use it for stencils for airbrush because what their touching up hasn’t changed in 30 yrs(disney) and it has to be exact. so they store these “permanent” stencils and use them about every 6 months. very heavy material.
Shipman, thanks for the great tips, when you say hand plane do you mean block plane or power plane?Thanks to all out there for all the help and responses.
…i use high impact polietilene cut out with a router…
Feltser. I use my 7-1/2" Stanley block plane. works for me.