For templates, I use plexiglass sheets. They come with a thin plastic film on them, which i gluestick printed plans onto. After I cut out the templates, i can peel off the anti-scratch film and have a clear, flexible, durable template. Sharpies work well on it, and because it's clear, I can see the grain perfectly on the wood as I'm laying out my parts.
A suggestion for a couple of guitar luthiers who are machinists that make small batches of beautiful tools for other guitar makers are: James Roadman in San Antonio TX Jroadman.com and Chris Ensor of Elevate Lutherie in Missouri. They both do collaborative designs and batch produce specialized tools in addition to building guitars. I obviously don’t know how many you need but these guys are highly respected in the professional guitar builders and pro guitar repair associations.
And they both have been in business for years making tools and making guitars for years for what is worth.
I love the recommendation for the template material. It seems perfect for coping outlines on curved surfaces.
Love my T2!
For templates, I use plexiglass sheets. They come with a thin plastic film on them, which i gluestick printed plans onto. After I cut out the templates, i can peel off the anti-scratch film and have a clear, flexible, durable template. Sharpies work well on it, and because it's clear, I can see the grain perfectly on the wood as I'm laying out my parts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5GYT869
Peter,
A suggestion for a couple of guitar luthiers who are machinists that make small batches of beautiful tools for other guitar makers are: James Roadman in San Antonio TX Jroadman.com and Chris Ensor of Elevate Lutherie in Missouri. They both do collaborative designs and batch produce specialized tools in addition to building guitars. I obviously don’t know how many you need but these guys are highly respected in the professional guitar builders and pro guitar repair associations.
And they both have been in business for years making tools and making guitars for years for what is worth.
Chris Ensor:
https://elevatelutherie.com
James Roadman
Jroadman.com
The T2 is a work of art and the Caliper is a work of genius -- of all your many talents, tool design is high on the long list!