How to Make a Template for a Band Saw

A band saw can allow you to quickly cut lumber to build furniture, and offers the capacity to cut curves in lumber to increase the aesthetic appeal of your wood creations. If you plan to build furniture, you might need to cut several wood sections using the same design for a professional look. A template can help you replicate curves and straight lines, while saving you time during the cutting process. Creating a band saw template is a straightforward process that requires few carpentry tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8-inch thick plywood
• Band saw
• Lumber stock
• Finishing nails
• Hammer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Draw the design on a piece of 3/8-inch-thick plywood with a pencil.

   • 2

     Feed the plywood through the band saw, cutting along the design line.

   • 3

     Nail the template on top of the lumber stock with finishing nails and a hammer. Leave about 1/2-inch of the nails exposed so you can easily pull them out after you have cut your design into the lumber.

   • 4

     Cut the lumber stock using the template as a guide. Remove the nails and repeat the process with additional lumber stock as necessary.