After I posted this photo of the templates that DH made
there were comments and questions about how he makes them.
So here is an overview of the process he uses.
He starts with a sheet of OPTIX from the big box lumber place.
He buys a piece 18" x 24" x .220 thickness for about $30.00.
He then attaches the paper drawing of the desired templates
to the acrylic sheet WITHOUT removing the clear protective film.
(image shown in photo was a piece of paper
leftover after making the tulip templates
adhered to leftover acrylic)
He uses this product to attach the drawing to the film-covered acrylic.
Similar temporary adhesives would likely work the same way.
One big note though . . .
Read the directions on the can and DO NOT skimp
on the drying time for the adhesive.
(if you prefer, the template drawing can be taped to the
film-covered acrylic, but the the spray adhesive gives better results)
He then uses a fine-tooth blade on his bandsaw
to cut out the template.
He uses a Bosch 4" High Carbon Steel Jig Saw Blade for
"cutting wood, plastic, and laminated particleboard"
on his bandsaw.
You Tube shows using jigsaws or reciprocating saws -
they can also used but they make it harder to get good results
because they generate more heat.**
The bandsaw is the best tool to use.
** No matter which saw you use, lower your speed settings
and GO SLOWLY.
TEST your saw and blade on a scrap piece to determine
the relationship between your tools and the acrylic
BEFORE cutting out your desired shape(s).
** HEAT IS NOT YOUR FRIEND as it melts the acrylic.
For long straight cuts, he uses his table saw
with a fine tooth blade - again going slowly
to reduce heat buildup and material melt.
(if you have a problem with your acrylic chipping out,
you can tape the edges with painter's tape)
Once your templates are cut out
and the paper and film have been removed,
finish the edges using abrasive paper
(aka sandpaper)
in 120, 180, and 220 grits.
The edges then receive a final finish
with a quick pass using a kitchen torch
to round any remaining sharp edges.
* * *
And in other news,
DH had another article published by
the American Association of Woodturners.
You can read his blog post about it HERE.
Quiltdivajulie
-----------------------------------------------“The people in our lives give color to our existence.”
Jewel E. Ann
9 comments:
How wonderful to have to have a hubby be able to make sewingtemplates (on demand).
Your new tulip template/block looks fantastic.
That’s great your hubby can join you in your crafts. How wonderful to have the templates made for you
What a handy guy, Julie!! Tell him I said congratulations on his article being published. I'm off to see what a beverage smoker is...
Your hubby must be very talented and enjoy helping you out with your quilting. Thanks for the detail on how he makes the templates. My husband is a woodworker and makes things for me, but don't think he would attempt something requiring the level of accuracy.
That's wonderful he can make those templates for you! I have taken a copy of a template from a book, a rotary cutting ruler to show the thickness needed and ruler to show how it will be used, to a glass and window shop and had success in getting templates made and very little cost. They are able to cut them from their "scraps".
Thanks to your DH for the tutorial, I did leave a thank you over there also. It sounds like a project that can't be rushed. Now to dig out the sheet of acrylic, the saw & blades and give it a shot. And yay! - another reason to get one of those little kitchen torches.
Thank you for the tutorial. I am printing this out and showing it to my husband. I think he has all those tools. I always wondered how the template edges were finished so they weren't sharp.
Oh I do like your tulip Julie!! Interesting information on the maing of the templates, clever husband!!
Thank you, I will talk to my old geezer, and see if he can be as handy!
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