Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi guys, I'm new to the community and just wanted to say how happy I am to have found so many like minded people who share my passion. I hope to contribute as much as i learn from all of you guys.

My question to everybody is the best way to make a template for building bodies. I am still learning at the moment how to make guitars and am currently making a Telecaster. I have a prodesktop drawing which I have created to scale if anybody would like it. Although I would love any tips on how to create an MDF or Perspex template etc without having to use a computer program.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

When I need a new template i usually will either buy or print two of the exact plans. One for reference and the other for making the template. I'll cut out the pieces like the body and neck from the template. i don't mean to the line. I leave enough of it to clearly see it. I'll use a spray adhesive and mist the plan and let i dry for about ten minutes then stick it to the mdf or the acrylic. This helps make it a little easier to get the paper off. I'll then use a bandsaw and cut it out as close to the line as possible then I'l use an spindle sander and even some files and sanding blocks to trim it exactly to the line. I'll use my scroll saw to cut out pickup cavities and such then hand finish them too. Not as quick and easy as a CNC machine would be able to do it but it works well. I'll use this first template as a master template to make another that will be the one I use. You can use a router or router table with a pattern bit to do this. I'll then put that first one away in case I damage the second one. I'll have the original to make another one. I do this because in the past I have had few accidents where the router nipped part of the pattern. having that master save a lot of future work....Mike

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Guitars, guitars and more guitars.

Thanks Mike, much appreciated!