Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: mmattockx on September 10, 2020, 06:02:34 PM

Title: Template Material
Post by: mmattockx on September 10, 2020, 06:02:34 PM
I'm moving into making wood lam bows (followed by composites if all goes well) and will need to use templates to trace/draw the back profile onto the glued up limbs. I draw the profile in autocad and print it out full size. I can then stick the print out directly onto the limbs or can glue it to a stiffer base material to make a reusable template. I think I prefer the reusable template for the next couple designs at least. What do people recommend for the template base material?


Thanks,
Mark
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: wood carver 2 on September 10, 2020, 06:49:05 PM
You can use plexiglass or thin mdf. Thin plywood works as well as long as it’s good quality.
Dave.
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Mad Max on September 10, 2020, 06:51:32 PM
Use a .040/.050 piece of Glass, wont swell, and will keep it's shape :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Crooked Stic on September 10, 2020, 07:20:47 PM
Quality plywood is cheapest.
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Crittergetter on September 10, 2020, 08:46:54 PM
I use 1/6” g10 for templates and 1/4” aluminum for my pattern jigs
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: mmattockx on September 12, 2020, 11:21:01 PM
One more template question - do you guys use a full length template or a half length one that you just flip around?


Mark
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Stagmitis on November 23, 2020, 08:50:02 PM
Maybe I went overboard but I have full length profile templates made from aluminum.
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 23, 2020, 10:31:52 PM
If you freehand it One half and flip it. I guess if you can get CNC made full length can work.
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Shredd on November 24, 2020, 09:35:11 AM
 i use a piece of formica...  go half length and you can use it on different length bows...
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 24, 2020, 09:39:19 AM
I use Formica in one piece, but all I make are one piece wood longbows.
Title: Re: Template Material
Post by: mmattockx on November 24, 2020, 10:33:38 AM
Maybe I went overboard but I have full length profile templates made from aluminum.

That works if you have worked out exactly what you want and will make mostly the same bow, but I am not at that stage at all.


i use a piece of formica...  go half length and you can use it on different length bows...

That's a good point in favour of the half length one.


Mark