I have seen woodworkers on tv, using a thin cellophane type two sided tape for mounting templates and securing small patterns.
I could use some on a project but I’m not sure what to buy.
I have seen a permanent tape at Staples, made by Scotch. A removable tape also by Scotch. I have aslo seen the thicker foam type mounting tape.
I noticed that none of it is cheap.
Anyone have any advice or a recomendation of what to by?
Webby
Replies
I use masking tape unless I have to see thru the area that is taped. Then any old cellophane tape will do.
mike
I use 2-sided carpet tape. There is a "plastic" version and cloth-like version. I think the cloth type grips better but I have never had a template slip with either type. Usually I can pull the template from the completed part and put it on another blank, reusing the existing tape 3 or 4 times before replacing the tape / Al
Al,
I've found that both types of tape hold tenaciously, providing that the surfaces are both clean. The cloth-backed tape sold as Turner's Tape is super powerful. The first time I used it, I applied it liberaly, not wanting the template to shift. Then I hammered the template down to ensure good contact. When it came time to remove the template, I couldn't pry it off. I ended up taking it to the bandsaw to resaw it!Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Chris, I think that carpet tape is a less aggressive material than turners' tape. I have been using a few pieces rather than covering the whole template with it and have not had any problem getting the template off. Usually I can pull it apart, but occasionally I need to pry it with a chisel. The stuff I am talking about can be picked up at Home Depot. It makes sense to me that tape intended for turning would be manufactured to withstand tremendous forces. / Al
Al,
I've heard that piano wire or fishing line works like a charm for separating template from stock without marring either. Wrap it around a dowel or something so you don't cut your hands.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Webby,
I had this same dilema and even went as far as to e-mail David Marks and ask him what he used. I never got a reply but I did learn that it is simply carpet tape. Go to your local big box store or even a small hardware store and grab you a roll and you will not look back. Hope this helps!
Bio
I sent my son to the hardware store for some double sided carpet tape, he returned with the foam kind. doh!, I made the poor kid ride his bike there in the florida heat too. so anyway we drove back and got the kind I envisioned in my head, the flat double sided tape. works great and a little patch here and there works wonders
Ha, poor kid, but good results in the end. I forgot to mention not the foam type but I couldn't imagine carpet tape being in a foam. I was so surprised because there is a site I think Oak Park that sells tape for templates and it cost a pretty good amount before shipping and it does the same thing.
Okay, thanks for the info.
Turners tape, I've seen, and either cloth or clear carpet tape. Got it.
Webby
I use 'turners two way tape', from Rockler, I think. Super strong. Good for anything, just don't use too much! Not what I would call expensive, even compared to other brands or types of tape. Brian
Tho you didn't ask, the title of your message does end with a question mark.
In my view, tape, no matter its adhesivity, is not a good clamp. It is a timed accident. The grip on the work is related to the surface area, tack of the adhesive, pressure and a few other things.
A workpiece toggled to a fixture, blocked in x fences & stops will have a hard time getting loose. A work piece stuck to tape is subject to being dislodged as the cutter traction varies and as the templet/tape package cycles. And it does vary. In end grain the cutter is in 10x as many fibers as a long the side or face grain. That is where these things fly apart. Not so when using vacuum or toggled/stopped templet fixturing.
Uses Toggles
I see everyone likes to use carpet tape but I find that golfing grip tape is much cheaper and the roll last way longer. You can purchase at any golfsmith or golf galaxy stores...blkcherry
Isn't that an adhesive-backed rubber foam product? It's not sticky on both sides, is it?Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
No it's a two sided masking tape that just works wonderful...Blkcherry
Chris.. Strange you should post that..
Still working on my project that went to Hell... Rain here let up and a bit drier here.
I usually use the GOOD quality carpet tape.. Well, It did NOT work this time!
OK so I screwed up again..
I made the 'shape' for the top of the 'stick' of Jatoba.. One inch thick by eight inches tall..
Damn! Now it is about 7 inches tall!
This Jatoba has wonderful grain but seems to run in both directions along the length of the stick. SO slow growth that it followed the Earth rotation? As in that tree KNEW it was upside down and tried to find the Sun?
Very pretty wood... But I have never seen grain change direction like this 'stick'...
Anyway.. To make a long story short.. Guess what I did?... Bad year for me.. I guess I'll have to give up woodworking!
I finished three (as in 3 sides only) I never noticed that the bottom edge of the stick was never straightened! I always heard as you grow older you got smarter? Big mistake on my part!
NOW.. How, do I get get the bottom square to the top curved edge? Did my usual carpet tape thing on a hunk of good ply as a fence guide... Never got true in several passes on the TS. Something always moved.
I finally made several rectangles of 1/4 floor underlayment to use as clamps and screwed my stick down the the plywood guide. Without having to ruin any work done before..
IT WORKED!
By the way, I'm also working on another project at the same time..
No problems at all!
I guess it is because this is for my youngest Daughter that is VERY fussy. She gave me $100.00 for wood.. I'd bet the wood so far used cost me $500 plus her money!
BUT it is for my new Grandbaby so cost is nothing.. OK... so me and the dogs do not eat as well for a few months!
Will,
Good for you! Perseverence pays off. And hey, what's a little sacrifice in the big scope of things?Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I use spray on glue.. Not sure of the brand at the moment. 3M maybe.. Very light coat will hold amost anything and sort of easy to remove. Never had any problems with finishing after using it. (That I know of?)
Will,
I think there would just be more sanding required, that is it.
Bio
I find that most tapes (such as the Scotch/3M) blue tapes will pull out slivers grain.. I hate that! I use ALOT of Jatoba ply and solid woods. Solids not that bad to deal with.
Thin veneer ply a very different story... Ruined some very beautiful figured (AND EXPENSIVE) ply using that blue tape!
NO.. the veneer stayed put as a whole.. All the nice surface grain pulled out on the tape! I do not buy cheep ply for a project!
Unfortunately, as you experienced, we learn the hard-way :0(
In these cases, I've turned to my 23G pin nailer. They dont slip, they pull out easily an the holes are invisable (after sanding).
I hear ya! LOUD and Clear!
I have a L'cheepo pin nailer that works! If I get the air pressure right!
Edited 7/22/2008 11:38 am by WillGeorge
Thanks everuone for the good info and opinnions.Webby
Just remembered something from Frid. He used a piece of brown paper from a shopping bag coated on both sides with hide glue. Easily removed and cleaned up.
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