Robust Patterning Material

[Renaissanceman]

I would have to suggest www.blackriverlaser.com They make sturdy acrylic templates at a reasonable price.

[electrathon]

where do you find xray film thats a great idea

I have a bunch that was over exposed I got from the MRI place. Vets may let you hve old films. The HIPA laws make the Dr afraid to let you have ones that someone can identiy.

[cjdevito]

I have a bunch that was over exposed I got from the MRI place. Vets may let you hve old films. The HIPA laws make the Dr afraid to let you have ones that someone can identiy.

Yeah... I've spent a decade in hospital management/compliance work and I think just about any larger institution is going to shy away from handing over even innocent, unlabeled films with a 'better safe than sorry' policy about it. I'd think smaller practices/diagnostic labs and dentist's offices or vets like you suggest would probably be a better bet for getting them to part with some. Even so, the penalties for HIPAA violations are steep enough that most places aren't going to want to do anything that could even remotely be perceived as a potential violation.

[BDAZ]

Just a hunch but you may want to contact the suppliers and see if they have any expired unexposed film.

Cya

Bob

[Greavous]

I make a lot of patterns while rewraping leather steering wheels and I buy a large and think poster board from Hobby Lobby for about $7 each. The stuff is about 3/32" thick and cuts well. I dont have a whole one to measure but just guessing id say they are 30"x42" or so. Ive never heard of pallet liners but I will be making a visit to a feed store to follow up on FREE stuff!

[kwelna]

I buy 14 X 22 poster board sheets from office max, You get 8 sheets in a pac. I think thy run about $.50 - $1 a sheet. works great, I I want permanent templates, I cut them put of 1/8 - 1/4 Plexiglass\polycarbonate clear plastic sheets (Try Home Depot where they sell replacement window glass. A bit spendy, but it cuts great with a band saw and you can finish up rough edges by sanding.

[Piedmont]

To add to this.. I can't stand when the pattern moves on me.. and it does it ALL the time.. I've experimented with small weights on the patter, but it still moved..

I was messing around in the garage and found some old, really fine sandpaper.. like 320 grit or more.. finishing sand paper.. and I glued it to the back of my pattern, and BOOYAH!! No more movement.. I just press down with my hand like normal and the pattern doesn't move at all.. AHHH, the simple pleasures!!

[GlenH]

I used Tandy's bag stiffener. If I have a pattern that I'm going to use quite a bit, I get Black River Laser to make it for me.