Template material

[Marsha]

Can someone please suggest a material to make templates out of. I need to make some templates for use on the router.
Thanks
Marsha

[Bud Christiansen]

Lots of people use 1/4 inch tempered hardboard. I use it for templates that won't see a lot of use, but for the ones I expect to have around for a while I prefer Lexan, or some other brand of polycarbonate plastic. I get it at P & A on Burlington St., just west of Parkdale. You can work it with fine-toothed woodworking blades just fine.... and if it's tough enough for the windshield on an F-18.....

[Marsha]

Thanks Bud; I know P&A, the company where I work deal with them all the time, I just never thought to use Lexan. I know 1/4" hardboard won't work with the router, it's too soft and the edges wear down to fast. I'll try the Lexan.
Thanks Again
Marsha

[Bob Oswin]

There is a material called Sintra which is softer than polycarbonate, can be scored witha knive and takes a sharp edge. It is PVC, in think.
I am partial to this material in Black as it seems to be good enough for hundreds of patterns with wear. It's pretty cheap compare with lexan too. Try Cadillac Plastics.

Bob

[Kelly Dukes]

Marsh: I have used 1/4 in.tempered HB. for many templates, some I have reused dozens of times with no wear or tear . Kelly

[Roman]

Hi Marsha Ill go with the 1/4" HB and if its justa template to trace then I would prefer 1/8" HB or plywood of the same thickness, its easier to shape. If you are using it with a router and bearing or guide bushing you might try 3/8" or 1/2" MDF, its inexpensive and available anywhere.

[Morty]

I use assorted sheet acrylics sign companies throw the stuff out by the ton so it is cheap if not free just don't read your template while cutting

[Marsha]

I checked out the Lexan, very very expensive ($300.00 plus for a 4x8 sheet). I checked out the Sintra, it too is expensive ($118.00 for a 4x8 sheet) but nothing like the Lexan. I don't think the hardboard would hold up against the router, maybe it would for one or two uses, but in the long haul it will wear down too fast. The MDF is very heavy. I liked the Sintra it appears to me to be worth the money, if the templates are to be used several times, which is the case with the project I'm working on. Unfortunately they won't sell a part piece. The Sintra is available at Laird Plastics but not at P&A.
Marsha

[Bob Oswin]

Marsha:
I am paying quite a bit less for Sintra.
1/4" (6mm) white At $65.00 and Black at $ 84.00.
Try Cadillac plastic. If you have a sign shop you know reasonalby well they can order it with a trade discount for you.

Good Luck
Bob in Edmonton

[Marsha]

Bob; I realized after I posted my message that I did not give the size. The $ 118.00 was for 3/8th in. or 10mm. The 1/4 or 6mm is $66.00. I did not think the 1/4 would be thick enough to use with the router bit. The bearing on the bit is 1/4" but there appears to be a space between the bearing and the blades. Will this matter, I'm not sure. Do you always use the 1/4? It's an awful price to pay if it dosen't work.
Marsha

[Roman]

Hi Marsha I have no doubt that lexan and the likes are a permanent template, but being in the industry for many years I feel I can attest to MDF, you can get it in various thichnesses, 3/8 to 5/8 is ideal. I have some templates that are over 15 years in use.

You never said what you were using the template for, I use mine for tracing parts and for using a router to trace .

When you are routing a heavy template is not a bad thing, its actually a good thing because it is dense, absorbing vibration, doesnt move as easy, easy to shape to the required dimensions and its inexpensive so if you make an error it isnt a big deal. Hoping this helps Regards Roman

[Bob Oswin]

Marsha:
I have, on some occasions, used 3mm (1/8") It really dosen't matter if the stock is level as the bearing should ride the template leaving ample room for the blades to operate.
The 1/4" Sintra is thick enough to attach handles if you are running a piece through the router as you would with a shaper.
Try to get a couple of offcuts from a sign shop and put my words to the test!
Bob In Edmonton.