Templates by numbers

[TemplatesByNumbers]

Hi All,

I'd like to introduce my website -http://www.templatesbynumbers.com.

The idea of the website is to give woodworkers a way to make accurate template plans based on asking a series of questions. The end result is an actual- size PDF document to download, print and use in the workshop. At the moment the system can make templates for mortises, dovetails, cabinets, frames and more (the range is herehttp://www.templatesbynumbers.com/?q=TemplateNavigator) - I add new templates based on customer feedback.

Some examples:
Cabinet template -http://www.templatesbynumbers.com/?q=cabinetfestool
Rounded end mortise template -http://www.templatesbynumbers.com/?q=node/41
The system takes care of all the math for router offsets and so on.

Now for the Festool angle. Right from the start I felt that my system would work well with the Festool guide rail system and Festool saws/routers. Festool UK (I'm based in the UK) were kind enough to give me some workshop time in their dealer training facility and with their support I've continued to develop the system. I'd like to post updates on topics like how to cut square cabinet parts with the TS55+guide rail in conjunction with my templates.

In the meantime I'm very interested in any suggestions, comments or questions that FOG members may have.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[nickao]

I would like to see a systematic approach to make templates for letters of various fonts. Mostly so I can use the same template to cut out the pocket and the the letter and just switching the collar on or off.

I am so tired of hand making different templates for different letters, it's time consuming, trial by error. A program that takes the guess work out would be great. I suppose I can do it simply with CNC. But I want a system for using a simple inlay kit.

The cursef letters are hard to make so that the snap on and snap off method will work because of the tight tolerances on the thinner parts of the the letter. It's so time consuming to figure out an exact shape letter that will work and look good. It's a little simpler using two templates, but still difficult and slow to design and make by hand.

I am not talking about simple block letters, but really pretty letters used on the more elaborate nautical compass rose, etc. I know lasers and micro router and cnc  do most of this work. But if I wanted to sit there and press buttons all day and let the laser/cnc do the cutting what fun is that.

Templates for the joints and shapes on your site are nice, but not near as difficult to make as letters.

nickao

 

[TemplatesByNumbers]

Nickao,

I'd be interested to see the templates you've used so far and see if I can apply my system to help automate the process.

CNC driving capability is something we are adding at the moment-great for woodworkers who want to offload the template making to a machine!

I admire your attention to craft though so if you can send me an example of your letter templates let's see what we can do.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[nickao]

Yes, I will send you some pictures after the weekend. . I am re-working the entire shop and its mayhem. I am not even sure where my box of templates is at this point. I have 6 kids home for Spring break on top of that so my hands are full!

I love your site and the entire premise. I have subbed out plenty of template work, but I would love to be able to make my own detailed templates
faster.

nickao