Material for Countertop Templates

use corex, sign material. or you could invest in a scanner and the little black and white dot system used with photos. That is how most people do it now. The software and digital camera will cost you on the front end, but the labor you save will take care of the cost in a couple of installs. The last one I had installed it took the guy less than 15 minutes to apply the tape (complete with dots) and take the pictures. He gets results as close to 32nds of an inch. Cant do that with cardboard.....

p.s. that was me, I wasnt signed in.....

wow, I'll look futher into that system

An alternative to 'digital photogrammetry' using a precision digital camera, and in direct answer to your original question, is using mylar sheets, which has more than adequate geometric stability (I would choose 7 mil thick), and which will roll up. It's more expensive than cardboard but much more precise, it rolls, and it's easier to cut. Which solution is more cost effective for you in the long run will depend on the volume of your business in this area.

I'll price out the 7 mil mylar and order samples, Thanks

RICK

Where do you get the samples?

Rick

Google search, they are for sale, a dollar or two each.

I am also looking into photo top digital templating and the BVH Gregg digitizer. However, As you know, the plastic template is also important.

I like the digi-camera/dots system as well...but in the interim, you may wish to look at this cheap but effective material.

I made up rollable templates for cut & trim of fiberglass parts using a 5 mil mylar film. We purchased it for ~$100 for a ~50' roll that was I believe 48" wide. It is very durable, reusable, and translucent. You can add semi-permanent reference notes with a Sharpie and edit them later with a bit of alcohol to erase when needed.

I would often have multiple hole-punched markings for corners, on one template, for reference points to use depending on which options were chosen for that job - that indicated exactly what needed cutting or trimming.

In fact, even if you invest in a high-tech system, I've always believed it is good to have a hard-copy of anything you do - that will work on the day when a power-surge kills your electronic gizmo's but you must have product out the door ASAP for an important client... ;)

You may google "mylar film roll" or possibly add one suppliers name for it which I think was "Melinex"

Sandman,

That sounds exactly like what I am looking for. I'll do it.

YES ATHIN PVC APROX 2'' WIDE AND SECTIONS ABOUT 3FT LONG CAN BE RO;;ED UP OR ON A SPINDLE CUT TO FIT THEN PVC GLUED TOGETHER THEN ROLL UP THE ENTIRE TEMPLATE AND STORE IN A TUBE OR PIPE UNTIL U ARE READY TO MAKE YOUR CT

The solution has arrived!!!!!!

www.lasersquare.com

The LT-55 digital template system

which one is better

The LT-55 digital template system

or

Photo-top system??????

LT-55 XL hands down

4mil Coroplast. You can cut into strips and use spray adhesive or hot glue to keep together. Alot cheaper than a photo templating system. $6 4x8 sheet.

The Proliner is far easier and more accurate and doesn't take near as long to learn as the LT 55 or the Phototop system we have used them all. It's arround $20,000.00 for the set up , and doesn't cost $16-$18 a roll for dot tape ect.

A lot of water has gone over the dam since my first post "looking for material for countertop templates." I never actually made any hard templates. Instead, I bought a photogrammy measuring system from ETemplate. Have done hundreds of templates now with no problem. They have very good customer support. The dots are very inexpensive and the ability to view the pictures and dots while making the CAD drawings is invaluable.

I think the Proliner may be better suited for some tasks, ie making a digital template of a small item like a sink or small irregular surface. I found one on an online auction a couple of weeks ago for $5k and bought it. Anxious for it to arrive so I can test it out.

I've heard good things about the Lt55 laser, never tried it out though.

I had a demonstration of the farrel arm. It is a nice unit but I found it too big and clunky for a small kitchen, and the arm would hit the ceiling fan.

Nathan Lauzon . Northwood CNC Operator

Get a proliner

Thanks for the reply.

We did go to the photo system and the little dots a shortly after I posted the original message. It works well acccept on walls that are very cooked. We use a Proliner measuring device that digitally scribes the wall.

Try to look up here for countertop templates

I think that a landscape - excellent idea.

_________________________
countertops from LivingStone