Templates

[Mr. Krinkle]

How do you guys make templates for your duplicator?

I know some people make plexiglas templates.

I spin a plug out of mahogany and then I use the mahogany plug as my template (I measure and use calipers to ensure the same dimensions). I find it easier and more accurate then cutting plexiglas templates. I found cutting plexiglas more difficult to get exact dimensions, and plus I got practice on the lathe. Here are some examples of my templates.

[ProfessorM]

I use maple. 1/2" thick. It wears just fine, besides I am only touching the template on the last pass.

[Jigman]

I like to turn a 3d blank from birch or maple and use that as my template.

Jigman

[Mr. Krinkle]

Originally Posted by ProfessorM

I use maple. 1/2" thick. It wears just fine, besides I am only touching the template on the last pass.

That's true. I only touch on the last pass as well.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Plexiglass for me.....

[wahlie]

I use plexi as well. I first figure out the plug that I want to make. I then bring it into adobe illustrator after taking detailed measurements and make a simple line art representation of it. Print that out and trace that onto my plexi. cut with a jigsaw and i'm ready to go.

[numbskull]

I use plexiglas, mount it wrong in the holder, file it down to try and fix it, and end up with plugs I can't recognize.

[Slipknot]

I use plexiglass because I had some, but maple works just fine and I will use that or mdf when I run out of plexi.

[justplugit]

Mr K, how are you anchoring the plug templates to your dupe?

[ThrowingTimber]

1. square ends on chop lure in half on bandsaw with a fence to make sure its straigh down the middle. Trace to lexan done.

2. place lure between centers centered. Replace the pin the follows your template with a pencil or marker. Slide in lexan, done template made.



I'll do them up and leave them all natural and label everything if its something that works for me that way down the road i dont go hmmm howd I do that...

[Biteme]

I use a product made for buisness "street" signs. It's a indestructable white plastic. Like plexiglass, but 1/4 inch thick, and it shapes easy. Mounts to the holder with wingnuts.

[Mr. Krinkle]

Originally Posted by justplugit

Mr K, how are you anchoring the plug templates to your dupe?

The templates are thru-drilled so I use the pins that come with the duplicator.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by wahlie

I use plexi as well. I first figure out the plug that I want to make. I then bring it into adobe illustrator after taking detailed measurements and make a simple line art representation of it. Print that out and trace that onto my plexi. cut with a jigsaw and i'm ready to go.

I actually throw the plug on the copier at work then cut out the shape and outline it on the Plexiglass...then ut the rough shape with the band saw and shape with the drum sander on the drill press.....usually takes me about 15 minutes if all goes well

[Mr. Krinkle]

Maybe one of the moderators could put this in the how to forum??

[ProfessorM]

funny I never turned a plug free hand in my life. I make template, profile, first then use my duplicator to make the first one. Adjust template till I get what I like and go from there. I have no problem with doing onese's on a dup., plus I excel in doing things half ass backwards. As long as the end result is there and it's fun go for it.

[gone fishin]

Originally Posted by ProfessorM

funny I never turned a plug free hand in my life. I make template, profile, first then use my duplicator to make the first one. Adjust template till I get what I like and go from there. I have no problem with doing onese's on a dup., plus I excel in doing things half ass backwards. As long as the end result is there and it's fun go for it.

Sounds like a machinist to me!

[Big Dave]

This is what I do. Then just cut on the band saw, Then file the would to remove any high spots on the template

Big Dave