Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi. New here, but not to this biz. Just started my shop, but I apprenticed under Ted Newman Jones back in the 90's, and I've been doing repair and modification work on the side for ages. Just thought it was time to get out of the corporate meat grinder and make some sawdust for a living.

So I'm setting up a shop from scratch basically. I'm taking over a "woodworking" shop from my old man who did toyboxes, tables, refinished doors, things like that. There's some tools to start with, I know I'll have tool investment, but I'm torn on template materials.

Lexan or MDF? To me, the only advantage lexan has is it's ability to be double taped, and well, it can be seen through.

MDF is cheaper to start with at least, until I get the templates really nailed down. Right?

_________________
http://www.gaspardguitars.com

Hello and welcome.
Lexan does not move with the weather.
MDF can be taped if you seal it with shellac or poly.
Hardened Masonite is very good as well.
Best of luck in your new enterprise.

_________________
How long is that in luthyears?

Welcome to the forum!

I've never used Lexan so I can't speak to that. But I really like MDF for templates. It's pretty cheap, machines easily, and I've never had a problem using double-sided tape on it, without any kind of finish or sealer. While it would be nice to have see-through templates, I haven't felt a need for it.