Material For Template

[dadam38]

I want to make templates for some of the more common items i make but i dont know what to use to create the templates. I was thinking of going to tap plastics and getting a plastic that cuts easily and keeps its form. Is there any other suggestions? Ive used thick cardboard but the edges start to bend after a while and i dont get straight lines.

Thanks

[DuncanSinclair]

I'd be interested to know what you find out.

[JLSleather]

plexiglass works great, if you want to stick with the same pattern for a good while. it's rigid, lightweight, cuts fairly easily, and most important you can SEE THROUGH IT, so you can see the leather you're cutting. Take it from me, that REALLY sucks when you cut a good size piece and then find you could have avoided a blemish or two by moving the template over an inch or two ...

[NVLeatherWorx]

I just go to my local Wal-Mart and buy their 3-pack of flexible cutting mats. They are 12" x 15" in size and are thin enough to easily cut yet the edges hold up to repeated "tracing" of the outline with an awl and they only cost $4.64 a pack; pretty inexpensive when you look at the long-term. I also like the fact that they are made in the USA and are BPA free; BONUS! They are under the Mainstays brand if you are interested.

[Wontonman]

I usually use Tandy's bag stiffener although I did just buy some acrylic sheets that I'm starting to cut

[Konapaniolo]

I have an upholstery shop. Go to your local shop and buy a product called chip board. It is a little thicker than say, a cereal box. Cuts easily and you can write on it. This is what I use, and it is 26x38 inches. Gives you plenty of room. Shouldn't cost more than .75 to 1.00 @. But I do like the idea of plexi to see thru. Great idea JL

Edited January 11, 2016 by Konapaniolo

[lennybucharski]

I go to the dollar store and get the thin plastic place matts and use them for patterns they last for a long time before I have to remake them

 

[24VOLTS]

styrene in .02 works great and cuts with scissors.  Sometime it is difficult to get without shipping.

[sheathmaker]

I solved this problem at my local sign making shop.  They use thin PVC stock for making their signs such as you see for "No Trespassing", "No Hunting", "For Sale", etc.  It cuts easily and literally lasts forever as a template/pattern.  I bought a 4X8 foot sheet and and that also lasts a very long time.  While it costs more for the 4X8 it's a lot less expensive per square foot than buying the ready made signs at the hardware store.

Paul