clear plastic templates.

[jazzjune18]

All. Looking to build some templates for mandolins. As far as a thin clear plastic, anyone know a place to get them relatively cheap? I am looking at the following on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sheet-Clear-Cell-Acrylic-Plexiglass/dp/B00844UTSW/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1398464075&sr=1-3&keywords=3%2F16+clear+plastic

Thanks for your help

[Tommcgtx]

I got mine from a local reprographics place. They had the best prices, and no shipping involved.

[sunburst]

I've gone to local hardware stores that sell glass (and plexiglass) and asked if they had any scraps. They did, and either gave them to me or sold them to me at good prices.

[jazzjune18]

Thanks guys. Great tips. Thanks for the help

[Bill Snyder]

Lowes. They have Plexiglas and Lexan in various thicknesses.

[Skip Kelley]

I got some from a local upholstery shop. The plastic was white but it cut easily with scissors. They were old patterns no longer in use and they gave them to me for free.

[tdnate]

Some cities have plastic supply stores and have scrap bins. Ours you can buy scrap by the pound. I have picked up usable pieces of clear and even UHMW plastic (great for jigs and such) on the cheap.

[Lefty Luthier]

I gave up on plastic templates years ago. They are just too fragile for regular use. I use and suggest 3 millimeter plywood. Less expensive and nearly indestructible.

[Gavin Baird]

the best plastic i ever found was plexiglas..the important to remember is that there are two types..extruded and cast.. the cast version is the best for it does not melt when shaped or sanded..extruded does..cast is designated by GP

[Bluetickhound]

Big box builders supply places have sheets of lexan as bug as you'd ever need.

[Bluetickhound]

Or big, as the case may be....

[John Arnold]

I gave up on plastic templates years ago. They are just too fragile for regular use.
My clear templates are 1/8" Plexiglas, and they seem to be very durable. I know some of them are over 20 years old, and I have dropped them on concrete, stacked wood on top of them, etc, with no damage other than some scratches or a chipped corner.
AFAIK, Lexan is even more durable.