Luthiery Materials

[Mando Tristan]

I have a new question on materials, not for the Mando itself, but for templates and fixtures. What I have on hand and what my dad says is fine, is 1/8" hardboard for the templates and some 3/4" Birch plywood for fixtures like what Mr. Siminoff has. Are these good or should I go get something else?
-Tristan

[sunburst]

I like plexiglass or lexan for templates so I can see through them and know what I'm working with in my materials, but the hardboard will work fine.
The birch ply is good for jigs and fixtures.

[amowry]

I've been using 1/8" hardboard for templates for years. I started using it because I had it on hand, but I've gotten to like it. It's the kind that's smooth on both sides. If you're making templates that you might end up wanting to use with a router, you'll probably want something thicker, though. I can use my 1/8" templates with my 1/4" spiral template bit, but most bits need thicker templates.

[Mando Tristan]

Ok thanks. The hardboard I've got is only smooth on one side, but so is the spruce I have since it was rough cut.

[Mando Tristan]

Ok, I got most of the way through making the main soundboard and backboard template last night, but had to stop since it got late. If anyone here wants to keep up with my project, there is a link to it in my signature.