Cardboard Sheets

[lottarope]

Beer box is a lot more fun then anything else I use. If the beer boxes aren't big enough thats where the fun begins. BUY MORE BEER. Then duct tape the peices together. For cutting this stuff I recommend using the cheap utility knives with the break off blades. They are ususally faster and more accurate than a sizzors IMHO. I use this method a lot when making new patterns in the saddle shop.

When I have a pattern tha t I'm going to use often I use bathroom surround. When i cut this stuff i use my round knife.

[Sporq]

For smaller patterns, I draw them out on paper, then laminate them and cut them out. A decent cheap laminator runs about $30 at Wal-mart, Target, or even Walgreens. I just randomly tried making some patterns from dollar-store cutting boards (the thin flexible plastic ones, in a 3-pack) for laying out the ends and holes on dog collars and belts. Works pretty good, sharpie wipes off easily enough with rubbing alcohol, and my punches go right through them without hurting the blades.

[Luke Hatley]

This is what I have started using. At you Local Larger Upholsetry Shops they sell Backer Boards for Chairs &Sofas, the price is very low for a 4'X4'.I believe I payed less than $4.00.

[raysouth]

For smaller patterns, I draw them out on paper, then laminate them and cut them out. A decent cheap laminator runs about $30 at Wal-mart, Target, or even Walgreens. I just randomly tried making some patterns from dollar-store cutting boards (the thin flexible plastic ones, in a 3-pack) for laying out the ends and holes on dog collars and belts. Works pretty good, sharpie wipes off easily enough with rubbing alcohol, and my punches go right through them without hurting the blades.

Hello Sporq,

Laminating is a great idea. I use a laminator that will do sheets @ 10" wide by whatever length I have laminating pouches for but never thought of using it to make patterns. I usually cut mine from plastic sheets, if I intend to use more than once, or file folders for single use.

Probably could do the same with the self laminating sheets from office supply stores.

At times, we can be so close to a good idea that it slips past, unless we have the good fortune to find a site and folks as here, we may never discover a great process.

Thanks again.

God Bless.

Ray

[electrathon]

Wall Mart, just use poster board.

[Renaissanceman]

_{If you want a more permanent pattern, check out http://www.blackriverlaser.com Joyce is great to work with.}

[biglew]

I use matt board you can get in any art store of framing store .. or micheals...

[Konapaniolo]

I have the perfect cardboard to use. I own an upholstery shop and we use a product to make our patterns. It's called chipboard. Most shops buy it by the 100 count. They are usually 30" x 48" in size and about 2-3 times the thickness of cereal boxes. easy to cut and really cheap. Maybe .75 cents @. Give that a try. Sorry If you were closer I'd just give you a few.

[groovytech]

Go to your local laminated flooring distributor(i.e. Lumber Liquidators,etc.). The pressed-paper top covers they put on laminates pallets are perfect thickness for long lasting templates.Thicker than posterboard, thinner than corrugated cardboard. Ask politely how they dispose of them. Odds are they'll give you all you need.

[gainesvilleman]

I use these sheets, buy them on eBay for $8.99 and they last forever,

Flexible Lightweight Translucent Polyethylene Plastic Stencil Sheet 24x24x1/25