Creating A Template

[Grandpa]

So lets assume that one finally creates a pattern they like for something, maybe a small cell phone case. What is typically used to create a template for this pattern? I'm not talking about a carving pattern but rather a pattern you'd use to trace onto leather and cut out, like the outline so to speak.

Thin cardboard, thin plexiglass, masonite, posterboard?

John D.

[DCKNIVES]

I typically use manila folders, but I do mostly one off custom stuff .For more permanet templates I would use heavy fiberboard, or masonite.Dave

[King's X]

I had some cut out of thin plastic to use as my templates. I have also used manilla folders, but they wear over time.

[Nightwolf]

For simple outlines that I plan to use repeatedly, I will make a template from Styrene, its fairly easy to use, inexpensive and has a great durabilty. I use it alot for airbrush templates since I can use spray adhesive on it, and then wipe the adhesive back off easily for storage, and being plastic like, I dont have to worry about the paint making the template wet or mushy. The patterns for belt ends, and ranger belt straps I made from mat board, which is still relatively inexpensive, and is much thicker than manila folders, so has been more durable for me....though I tend to be hard on things at times.

[Gawdzilla]

The smart phone case I posted earlier in this forum was done with poster board, but only because I had some within easy reach. The box my soda came in would have been a donor if that was the first thing that I found when looking for some something solid.

For patterns I know I'll be using many, many times I've used sheet metal. A soda can with the top and bottom cut off and flattened makes enough metal for a key fob pattern.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

All of the above will work. It depends on how long you want the template to last, and how much you intend to reuse it. I generally start with the the templates that I made way back when, and copy them to a fresh piece of poster board (get mine at the IGA for 59 cents a sheet) and then modify the fresh one from there. Usually when I am making saddle parts they are not going to be exactly the same as the original patterns, so I take "new" pattern and make all the changes to shape and so on on it leaving the original unskathed, with notes like "make it longer here, or skive here, or more curve here" for future use. As for phone cases, holsters and all the other stuff, I just make it up as I go using anything I have handy when the mood strikes me to create somthing, (like cut open boxes ). In some cases I use some scrap pieces of leather for those items that I am going make a lot of over time. I actually have some hides of seating leather that I used to make the patterns for chaps and chinks, bite pads for the pony horses at the track. Basically you can use anything you can get your hands on, some stuff works better than others. I used to have a roll of heavy velum that worked really well, and those patterns are still in use, but that is long since used up.

Bob

[Blake]

So lets assume that one finally creates a pattern they like for something, maybe a small cell phone case. What is typically used to create a template for this pattern? I'm not talking about a carving pattern but rather a pattern you'd use to trace onto leather and cut out, like the outline so to speak.

Thin cardboard, thin plexiglass, masonite, posterboard?

John D.

Linoleum works well. You can usually pick it up in small end rolls for next to nothing from flooring stores. A smooth texture and light color works best. Small patterns can be cut from individual squares if you don't need to make large patterns.

Blake

[Grandpa]

Excellent ideas everyone. Thanx so much for your responses, most appreciated!

John D.

[Jacobite]

Linoleum works well. You can usually pick it up in small end rolls for next to nothing from flooring stores. A smooth texture and light color works best. Small patterns can be cut from individual squares if you don't need to make large patterns.

Blake

I'd never thought about using Lino or vinyl flooring for doing patterns but it would be ideal. Enough thickness to make marking easier, also light and isn't ruined by being bent or rolled up. Nice one Blake!

[ramrod]

i've also used plastic milk jugs when i need a template for a small piece. they're easy to cut and easy to clean.

you could also use cat litter jugs - not the large square ones with the (approx) 12" x 12" lids. i'm talking about the ones with the screw tops. the plastic is a bit thicker than the milk jugs, and there's a lot more area so you can make a larger template piece.

a bit off topic but a useful tip -

when i need to rough out a piece on paper first, i usually need a lot more than an 8 1/ 2 x 11 sheet of paper. often times i'd like a full scale drawing - and i'm sure i speak for most of us in that regard. i used to work for a contractor, so i'd bring home rolls of old blueprints. some sheets are 24" x 36 all the way up to (memory going........) 48 x 96??

anyway, you can probably get all you want from a construction contractor ( GC, roofing contractor, plumber, electrician, etc) or architectural firm.

if any of them want cash for their old blueprints - walk away. you can score them for free.