I make a lot of templates for my work, but wanted to find out if someone has a better way to do it.
I am making a guitar (Strat) right now and have created a template for the body (actual size), but now need to make another that is a bit smaller to compensate for my router bit and collar. Starting with the actual size, how would you create a 1/8 bit smaller template outside of going through the original process of cutting the template out on my band-saw and sanding the sides?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Matt
Replies
Why not using the actual size template and a flush router bit with a bearing instead of a bushing (collar) ? If that is not an option use a rabbet bit with a bearing 1/4" smaller than the bit, a part of the thickness that way and run over your cut with a flush bit do do the rest.
C.
Hah! we were typing at the same time, but I stopped to talk to the cat.[Typing w/ 1 paw sucks; plz 4give typos]forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
thanks for the great advice. I think using a flush bit would work perfect. I was just trying to figure out some options and I appreciate all the helpful advice.
Are you trying to avoid the bandsaw process completely? The only way I can think of would be to put your current template on top of a duplicate of it, then run a 1/8" rabbeting bit, using the top template as the pattern. Obviously there will be places where the curves/angle will be too small for the bit to get in, go back and do those by hand.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Maybe change collar and cutter to yield a cut 1/8" closer to templet. There are a zillion combinations.
Routs/W/templets
Pattern cutting bits have the bearing on top and flush cutting bits have the bearing on the bottom. I suggest you look into insert tooling as the cutting diameter stays the same. A bit more expensive but actually cheaper in the long run if you do the math. We switched to using Advantech for our templates. It's an exterior OSB available in 1/2 and 3/4". We were using MDO and birch ply. The Advantech is much flatter and cheaper. I'm talking a commercial operation using hundereds of dollars in template material a month.
http://www.ridgecarbidetool.com/index.htm
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