How to make templates from MDF

[Citizen_Insane]

Ok, so I've decided I'm going to start building a Telecaster. My main problem is that I don't have access to a vertical drum sander, so I'm not exactly sure how to get the edges of my templates to be exactly perpendicular to the faces.

That's my main question. I'm going to CopyWorks right now to get the plans printed off (downloaded from the internet). Any ideas how I should go about getting the templates cut correctly?

I'll have access to a table saw, a router, a jigsaw and lots of nice carving equipment.

The Idea is to make a chambered walnut back with a bound spalted maple top. My dad was kind enough to offer up the wood. He's been lugging around these huge pieces of walnut for at least 15 years so they're nice and cured and he spalted some maple from a tree we cut down a few years ago and offered that as well.

The cap will probably be pretty thin, so I don't think I'll be able to arch it, however, I still think it should look pretty badass.

[Citizen_Insane]

Well...I decided to just go for it and I started cutting the MDF templates. I used a jig saw to cut out the shape and tomorrow I'll finish up the edges and get them nice and flat.

[mkhhunt]

Welcome!

Check out this thread for really good examples of creating templates from a bass (same
principles apply. http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home...ml#post1714912

[jaydawg]

If the edges are not perfect it will not be the end of the world. They need to be close but don't fret it if you're a little off. With the tools you have I would say make your templates from 1/4" MDF first. It will be easier to shape and work with. Those will become your master templates. Then make your working templates by flush trimming some 3/4" MDF from your masters.

[Citizen_Insane]

Yeah, unfortunately the only MDF that was available was 3/4", so that's what I went with. The edges aren't perfect, but hopefully they will rout correctly. I'm going to test out my template tonight by routing out another one.


(Yes the neck is upside down)

Should I drill the tuner holes and the bridge holes? I worry because I don't have a drill press, if I don't get them exact it would be bad. I was planning to just transfer them directly to the finished pieces and drill them there without a template so I wouldn't accidentally get too far off.