If I was going to use it a lot I would make it out of aluminum.Hi everyone ! Thanks so much for the advice, I think Polycarbonate is the way to go and get the templates CNC cut from my PDF files..
I am totally new to routing, never done any woodwork but looking forward to starting.
now yur talking...If I was going to use it a lot I would make it out of aluminum.
https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=8055&step=4&showunits=inches&id=915&top_cat=60
Herb
I tried several material for my masters, when I first started making them. MDF, and so on mostly. Didn't like any of them, for various reasons. But then when I hit on the two layers of 1/2" plywood, I was content. I work mostly with 1/2" plywood anyway, so no extra $ laid out. I have made masters to use for just two or three items, then tossed the masters - beats the heck out of trying to make identical copies otherwise. So far I have not worn a master out. Partly this is because most of them are upgraded/changed, as I go along, and the old ones tossed, so in effect I am normally working with relatively new masters. Plywood is not the first choice of everyone, I know. But I have been very happy with my choice, partly because that 1" thickness gives me a much better grip on the masters, especially with a smaller one - but if I'm routing something way smallish, I make a master with handles or something on it, so I can still get a good grip.Some of these products aren't economical for hobbyists, with limited runs expected.
If for instance one expected a maximum of 20 items (all identical) over a period of up to a couple of years total.
What would be the most practical and cost effective?
Again, perhaps the size and complexity of the components would be a major factor?
If you were making ribs for a canoe, would an expensive 'plastic' be economical?
For very short runs I've generally used 12mm MR-MDF which is denser than ordinary MDF and resists damp better. Cheap, too, and NO voids.Some of these products aren't economical for hobbyists, with limited runs expected.
The US, UK and Australia are all countries separated by a common language. What are laminex and a skip in American, please?I usually use 9mm MDF and cover with Laminex as shown. The second template was made from a Laminex covered kitchen door recovered from a roadside skip together with many more. Off-cuts of Laminex can usually be obtained FREE from the skips behind Kitchen/bathroom workshops, with permission of course!
Even with my much used templates the inside edge of the templates has never given me any problems, but iron on edging strip can be used.
