Making Perfect Woodworking Templates for Identical Parts
Most woodworking projects include plenty of straight, square parts that are easy to cut with a table saw, jointer, or planer. But what happens when you need to make several identical curved or irregularly shaped pieces?
That's where woodworking templates come in handy.
A well-made template lets you create matching parts using a router and a pattern bit or flush-trim bit. Whether you're shaping curved furniture components, decorative brackets, or other irregular parts, the key to accurate template routing is starting with a smooth, precise template.
And making one is easier than you might think.
Choose the Best Material for a Router Template
The first step is choosing a material that stays flat and holds its shape.
Acrylic, MDF, and hardboard are all good choices for making woodworking templates. Each provides a smooth, stable surface that works well with a router's guide bearing.
My preference is 1/4"-thick hardboard. It's inexpensive, easy to cut, and simple to shape with common woodworking tools.
Because the template determines the final shape of every part you make, it's worth choosing a material that won't warp or distort during use.
Lay Out and Cut the Template
Once you've selected your material, carefully lay out the shape of the part on the template blank.
Accuracy matters here. Any bumps, dips, or irregularities in the template edge can be transferred to every workpiece you rout.
After completing the layout, head to the band saw.
Cut just outside the layout line, leaving a little extra material for final shaping. There's no need to cut precisely to the line at this stage.
The goal is to remove most of the waste while leaving enough material to refine the template accurately.
Sand the Template to Its Final Shape
With the rough shape cut out, it's time to refine the edges.
Use a sander to gradually work down to the layout line. Take your time and check the shape as you go.
The smoother and more accurate the template edge, the better your finished workpieces will look.
For tight curves, corners, or other details that are difficult to reach with a sander, switch to hand tools.
Chisels, files, and rasps are especially useful for cleaning up sharp corners and refining small details.
A Perfect Template Makes Matching Parts Easier
Once you've shaped and smoothed the template, it's ready to guide your router when making matching parts.
The router's guide bearing follows the template edge, allowing you to reproduce the same shape on multiple workpieces.
Just remember that every imperfection in the template can show up in the finished parts. That's why it's worth spending a little extra time getting the template right before you start routing.
Whether you're building furniture with curved components or making a series of decorative parts, a good woodworking template can save time and help ensure every piece matches.
More Router Tips & Techniques
The router is one of the most versatile tools in any woodworking shop. From shaping decorative edge profiles to cutting precise joinery, there's almost no end to what you can accomplish with it.
Looking to expand your router skills? Explore our Router collection for practical tips, techniques, and shop-made jigs that help you get cleaner cuts, improve accuracy, and tackle more challenging woodworking projects.
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