When people hear the word “template,” the idea comes to mind that a template is fabricated so it can be used more than once.
In the guitar building world, it is actually normal to fabricate one-use templates. Unless the same guitar is crafted over and over again, a seasoned builder over time can easily fill a notebook with all the templates he had to make that were only used once and never again.
Fabricating templates is a normal part of the guitar building process so everything is shaped properly the first time. Using the templates you create only one time is also totally normal.
That being said, we are now on the build step where we are creating a template for the control cavity.
Tools needed
- Scissors
- Double-stick tape
- Retractible pencil (regular pencil is also okay)
- Tracing paper
Optional: Light table, sometimes known as a light box or tracing box. It is a backlit table that you lay paper down on and is lit from behind so it is easier to see what you are doing. Not necessary, but nice to have.
Below: The control cavity plan is placed on top of the light table.
Below: The light table is turned on, the tracing paper placed over the plan on light table, and is then traced by hand using pencil.
Again, it will be noted the light table is not necessary, but comes in very handy for tracing as shown below. If you do not have a light table, make sure your work is well lit from above.
Below: The traced copy. It is not perfect, but does not have to be because it will be cut out and touched up later.
Below: Adhering double-stick tape over the plan so it stays put.
Below: Cutting off excess paper before continuing.
Below: The end result is that we now have a sticker.
Below: The backing is removed so adhesive is exposed.
Below: Sticking to the template blank (the blank is 1/4-inch hardboard.)
Below: Center points are made so we know exactly where to start drilling. A point is made for each place where a knob would go.
Below: Drilling holes.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Hardboard when drilled will have waste go all over the place as you will see below. Be sure to wear protection for your eyes, breathing and ears before drilling this stuff.
Below: Hole is drilled, on to the next one, and the one after that.
Below: Now it’s time for the jigsaw (using scroll cut blade) to cut out the template.
Part 2 of fabricating a control cavity routing template coming soon!
Where are the rest of the build steps?
You can view them all here.
Where is the one that shows instruction on how to finish the wood, ie: hide the wood grain?