knubs Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 So I'm trying to make a custom panel to mount my voltage meter in and I have the perfect spot to do it but I just can't figure out how to make a template. I'm goin to use 1/8 inch MDF but I'm not sure how to get a perfect fitting piece to fit into the slot that I want. I attached a picture of the spot I want it to go. It will be the empty spot to the right of the cigarette lighter. You can see the grooves around the edges where something would sit into it perfect but I don't know how to copy that shape. If anybody has any suggestions I'd appreciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reedal Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 Cardboard and scissors + trial and error, or a thick paper, like the construction paper I remember using for arts and crafts as a kid. Cut the shape you need, trace the meter on top, cut that area out, and voila you have a template SMD Tool Map https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/193176-smd-tool-map-new-november-2014/ Build log https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/197217-reeds-03-tahoe-hat-sqaq-singer-xs-shca-cockbox-80prs/?page=32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knubs Posted March 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 That's what I was trying last night, but it's hard to get the corners shaped right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reedal Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 Try a razor or exacto knife for the corners. Small pieces at a time. Or use a semi-stiff wire to bend to the shape of the corner and use that to get the corner shape correct, then shave the template down slowly until it fits SMD Tool Map https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/193176-smd-tool-map-new-november-2014/ Build log https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/197217-reeds-03-tahoe-hat-sqaq-singer-xs-shca-cockbox-80prs/?page=32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Sawyer Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 I used foam board, basically the same as cardboard but, was easier to get rounded edges and grooves. It's pretty soft, you can push it against things and use the indention as s cut template. Stephen S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mothra Posted March 14, 2019 Report Share Posted March 14, 2019 quit drawing and shaping by hand. I can't draw to save my life. give me something that holds it's shape and I can draw pretty good. get something that has shapes you want and use them as a guide. making templates or beauty panels is all about combining shapes and making them flow together. try the template below as a starting point. https://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-house-plan-template/10316186.html#q=template&start=8 if nothing changes, nothing changes You don't know what you don't know, till you don't know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsneon98 Posted March 14, 2019 Report Share Posted March 14, 2019 I would find something like a coin or something that has the same contour as the corners and use those as a starting point. but like others have said thicker paper or cardboard is the way to go. Build Log: http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/152954-1998-plymouth-neon-updates/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassMunky Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 Cut pieces and tape together than re template as one. Shakin not Stirred....my buildhttp://www.stevemead...ngle-cab-build/412 CVX And put a sealed enclosure in your trunk cut a hole in your deck and call it ported Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiBo Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 Trial and error... The good ol fashioned hard way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassMunky Posted March 22, 2019 Report Share Posted March 22, 2019 Yepppp Shakin not Stirred....my buildhttp://www.stevemead...ngle-cab-build/412 CVX And put a sealed enclosure in your trunk cut a hole in your deck and call it ported Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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