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Nick JD · June 27th, 2009, 01:53 AM

I was just making a headstock template and thought I'd describe an easy method for making template edges accurately and easily without all the tools.

The headstock template cut close (1/16") to the lines and then we have a tiny amount of sanding to do.

With a sanding block (or a dremel with a sanding wheel) the edges are sanded to the pencil line on the top of the template only. Just a few well-defined strokes are needed with the block, which aids in keeping the curve smooth and even.

Looks pretty rough at this stage, but the top 1mm is a smooth curve at the pencil line. So long as the top 1mm by the line is accurate, the template will also be accurate.

Then the top bearing bit is set so the bearing rides a fraction over the baseplate. It's best if it's as little as possible, but more than nothing ... if that makes sense. It needs to ride the pencil line.

Nick JD · June 27th, 2009, 02:00 AM

Then it's a simple matter of running the router around the template.

Which leaves the template with a little bump all the way around (left by the tiny gap between the bearing and the start of the cutting blade's edge). So the template is turned upside down and the router is whipped around it again.

Leaves a perfect 90 degree edge with a smooth curve.

Brendo · June 27th, 2009, 03:05 AM

When you say it like that, you'd have to be a knob not to do it that way.

My name is Brendan, and I am a knob.

olaftheholy · June 27th, 2009, 04:41 AM

Man this forum is getting better and better.

Note to self:To buy list, One router table insert.

thanks Nick.

scubadoo · June 27th, 2009, 05:35 AM

Good tip.

It's similar to making a 1/4" template and then making the 3/4" working ones from that, gives you nice straight edges.

Good work!

Oh, and olaftheholy, watch out when you get a router insert, the one i have is slightly convex to eliminate being pulled down by the weight of the router. Whilst i'm sure that's fine for larger stock it can be a problem when doing necks and such.

Gascat · June 27th, 2009, 06:01 AM

Just another great tip from this great forum!

I have all my templates cnc cut by a chap near my work but will now have a crack it the Nick JD way.

thanks mate.
cheers...Wayne

June 27th, 2009, 01:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Nick JD Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: May 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Age: 40 Posts: 13,398	A Template Edge Method I was just making a headstock template and thought I'd describe an easy method for making template edges accurately and easily without all the tools. The headstock template cut close (1/16") to the lines and then we have a tiny amount of sanding to do. With a sanding block (or a dremel with a sanding wheel) the edges are sanded to the pencil line on the top of the template only. Just a few well-defined strokes are needed with the block, which aids in keeping the curve smooth and even. Looks pretty rough at this stage, but the top 1mm is a smooth curve at the pencil line. So long as the top 1mm by the line is accurate, the template will also be accurate. Then the top bearing bit is set so the bearing rides a fraction over the baseplate. It's best if it's as little as possible, but more than nothing ... if that makes sense. It needs to ride the pencil line. __________________ You need to roll the dice to be in the game.

June 27th, 2009, 02:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
Nick JD Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: May 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Age: 40 Posts: 13,398	Then it's a simple matter of running the router around the template. Which leaves the template with a little bump all the way around (left by the tiny gap between the bearing and the start of the cutting blade's edge). So the template is turned upside down and the router is whipped around it again. Leaves a perfect 90 degree edge with a smooth curve. __________________ You need to roll the dice to be in the game.

June 27th, 2009, 03:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Brendo Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kendenup, Western Australia Age: 34 Posts: 600	When you say it like that, you'd have to be a knob not to do it that way. My name is Brendan, and I am a knob. __________________ Seargent Throat? Yes? Make a note. Right, make a note. Yes. Right.

June 27th, 2009, 04:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
olaftheholy Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: the Netherlands (Yurp) Age: 42 Posts: 1,141	Man this forum is getting better and better. Note to self:To buy list, One router table insert. thanks Nick. __________________ www.olaftheholy.nl

June 27th, 2009, 06:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
Gascat TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Queensland, Australia Age: 55 Posts: 63	Just another great tip from this great forum! I have all my templates cnc cut by a chap near my work but will now have a crack it the Nick JD way. thanks mate. cheers...Wayne __________________ A man who asks is a fool for five minutes. A man who never asks is a fool for life. - Chinese Proverb www.wayneranson.com

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June 27th, 2009, 05:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
scubadoo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bristol, UK Age: 38 Posts: 1,519	Good tip. It's similar to making a 1/4" template and then making the 3/4" working ones from that, gives you nice straight edges. Good work! Oh, and olaftheholy, watch out when you get a router insert, the one i have is slightly convex to eliminate being pulled down by the weight of the router. Whilst i'm sure that's fine for larger stock it can be a problem when doing necks and such.

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