Making templates

[Tone_Chaser]

I'm getting ready to start my templates for my Les Paul build from the Bartlett plans. I've seen a number of them on this site but haven't been able to find any of the pics recently. My question is when you are doing the cut outs for the neck, controls, pickups, etc. - do you leave the lines or sand the lines off? I'm making the MDF templates and have them roughed out already. I just don't want to have to do them twice!

Thanks!

 

[crompo]

Here's a thread about making templates.

The Australian Les Paul Forums • View topic - Making Templates from the Catto plan

 

[Tone_Chaser]

Awesome! Thanks, there are so many great pics of build here and I look through them often. I hope mine turns out as good as some of the ones here.

 

[TKOjams]

remember to coat all the edges of you templates where the router bearing rides with glue. The edges will distort if you don't. No one told me this when I started and I had problems with the edges getting compressed.

 

[Tone_Chaser]

Thanks, I had read that recently so I will make sure to do that as well. Oh, BTW I'm using the Catto plans, not Bartlett. Want to give credit where credit is due.

 

[landsharkey]

If you want to see any inconsistencies in your templates, make both an outside and inside template. Make the "master" body outline out of 1/4" to 3/8" and make it fit inside an outside template. If you took too much off the master at points it will be obvious. Extra work, yes but for symmetrical outlines it will show any errors you've made before committing to more expensive material.

 

[gator payne]

If your plan is to build a lot with your new templates I suggest you build them out of hi grade birch ply instead of MDF. MDF works fine but all cut edges exposé the fiber. Even when sealed, if not sealed well moisture can get in causing the MDF to swell. Using birch ply is about 2.5 time more expensive but they will last for decades.

I'm not knocking MDF. Just reccomending a better material.

 

[bruce bennett]

If your plan is to build a lot with your new templates I suggest you build them out of hi grade birch ply instead of MDF. MDF works fine but all cut edges exposé the fiber. Even when sealed, if not sealed well moisture can get in causing the MDF to swell. Using birch ply is about 2.5 time more expensive but they will last for decades.

I'm not knocking MDF. Just reccomending a better material.

I fully agree!