How To Create A Wallet Template For Consistent Pieces

[leatherorpleather]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to create a couple wallets that are identical so I followed a Tandy tutorial and made a couple template pieces with leather after getting the dimensions I wanted. Problem is Even when I follow the shape with my xacto I am not cutting it out properly the same.

So I was wondering how you guys do it?

Maybe I could shape a piece of metal and use it as a cookie cutter??

[Matt T]

I trace around with a pen and then cut with scissors. For straight pieces I use a metal ruler and a rotary cutter.

[Dwight]

If something has to be an "exact" duplicate of another, . . . generally I follow Matt T's idea, especially on the straight pieces part.

I also use a strap cutter for a lot more than just straps.

But the key to "my" achieving exact duplication is my belt sander. I overcut the size just a bit, . . . maybe 1/16 to 1/8 sometimes, . . . glue the rascal together, . . . then go to the sander. It takes just enough off by careful maniuplation, . . . that I can darn near make them identical, . . . or at least visually so.

May God bless,

Dwight

[artycpt]

For a reusable template I draw out the shape on a piece of clear plastic that is designed for quilting. It comes in various thicknesses and is found at most sewing stores. Then I do what was mentioned above and trace it out and cut it.

I will lay my pieces on top of each other to make sure they are the same size and shape and I didn't slip a little somewhere.

[jk215]

After I decide on a design I want to reproduce multiple times I made templates on the computer using adobe illustrator (vector graphics software). I print them out on cardstock paper and cut them out. They work great but after a couple uses you need a fresh batch. If its a design I am deadset on and wont be changing soon I get them produced out of acrylic from black river laser.

Edited November 8, 2013 by jk215