How to Make MDF Furniture Templates

[@mattr0815]

I came here assuming I had to buy a new computer, a CNC machine and take an online class. This was awesome and refreshing - thank you!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, glad you liked it! I was never much of a computer guy, so this was the only way I could do it for a long time. Thanks for watching!

[@SwearingenTurnings]

I recently found "this" channel after you announced splitting off from Foureyes. I built your Longview table, which was my first foray into template routing. What a life changer! Now I'm using what I've learned from you and have started building my own templates, which is a good thing...as I've fallen in love with not-all-straight-line building. I know it's an old video, but I appreciate it.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

That's awesome! Templates were a total turning point for me, as well. Keep it up.

[@tedfriesen9466]

I knew I was slow, but this proves it. Having watched every video of yours that I could find over the past few weeks...I just now figured out your logo. Duh! Thanks for the great videos. I've learned a lot.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, I always wanted my logo to not be super obvious, and to make people look at it a bit longer than normal, so I am glad to hear that! Thanks for watching, Ted!

[@ArtDingoWoodworks]

Well, I am even slower so give me a clue please!

[@skippylippy547]

Really neat video Shaun! Thanks for sharing this with us. I've never been bold enough to make a piece of furniture like that from "scratch". I see how making a template can take a lot of the guess work out of creating the final product with confidence.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Glad you liked it! Templates are a really nice way to make sure everything works before diving into a project.

[@paulmurphy3735]

I love this template tutorial and have watched multiple time to inspire me with my designs. Thank you Shaun

[@samcravens2924]

Thanks for that, Shaun! Glad to see your imagination taking part in the contests. Good luck and excited to see what you come up with!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, Sam! I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

[@ianbeckett2427]

Thanks for the great video Shaun. I've been trying to follow the same path for my latest project by doing a sketch by hand, then a full size drawing on MDF . From there templates for the bits that need them. The whole thing is based on ideas I've picked up from your videos.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome, Ian! Glad you are able to put some of this stuff to use.

[@rods999]

Dude! I'm a fan. I'm a carpenter to, but you are in the next level. Tnx 4 sharing... unique furniture mn! Nice!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, Rod! Really appreciate that!

[@benjaminstrobel3622]

Blows my mind how this video only has 45k views. So good.

[@jon8864]

Nailing the catch-phases. That'll be stuck in my head for days.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, perfect!

[@DEKODOKI]

You sir, are one of my favorite creator. thank you

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@JolienBrebels]

Great video! Looking forward to the project video! I'm going through my watch later list, back from holiday so a lot of videos still to watch!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks Jolien! I always get behind on watching videos, there is just too much good stuff!

[@joer5627]

Thank you. Even old guys have dreams. A Maloof style rocker is one of mine. It’s going to be interesting as my equipment is all 1960’s and 70’s. They worked for Grandad & Pop. So far they’ve worked well for me. Now if they can just cut 8/4 Cherry? If not, let’s sharpen the rip saw or pull out the jig saw. Either way, it starts with good templates.

[@lk9769]

Great info Shaun. And perfect timing. I’m about to make a couple of templates for some cedar benches I’m building. Your video gave me some valuable info on the process. Thanks 👍👍

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome, glad you were able to get something out of it! Thanks for watching!

[@coleve8596]

Before retirement I worked as a lecturer at a local college in Scotland. When we started to introduce MDF into the carpentry curriculum we had to completely redesign the dust collection in our apprentice training workshops due to the severe conditions that are created when you start to cut the material. Any process that causes dust when cutting it is a danger to life. The dust produced is extremely carcinogenic and it doesn’t take much to inhale the fibres. Even something as simple as cutting with a jig saw. We also had to remove all brush and shovels for clean up as the brushes caused the fibres to be airborne. Special floor dusters that attract and vacuums were introduced. Regardless of your extraction systems PPE should be worn when cutting this material. Apart from the fact we are all going to die great video, keep up the great work

[@shaunboydmadethis]

You are definitely right. I am constantly reminding myself to where my dust mask. Ironically, the most common time for me to forget is when I am filming. Thanks for watching!

[@davestrain1762]

Another perfect awkward outro! Love it. It was good meeting you up at Maker Faire and I still want to drive up from Ventura and swing by the shop one of these days!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really good time meeting everyone! Definitely let me know if you are heading up this way!

[@thewoodworker1703]

EXCELLENT Shaun ! a lot of makers shy away from MDF and don't like working with it. I am just about to make a form to bend some lamination for a new "pet bed" project, MDF is my goto. Great video as usual.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, Billy! MDF definitely has it's place.

[@4n2earth22]

I make up thin kerf slices that equal 1/2 of whatever blade thickness that I need to adjust the template by. The track saw I use has a 3/32 blade thickness, so I slice 4" x 3/4" by 3/64" slices and use iso to attach them to the ends where the template was cut apart. (in cases where you HAVE to split the line at the joint. Other places, I off-set the cut to one side and use 3/32" slices on just one side of the cut to fill it back out.) HDF is a better material for the thin slices, but you can pre-treat MDF on the end where you are going to make the slice with a bit of thin iso, and slice it that way. This just saves having to re-dress the profile of the template to accommodate the material used up when you cut the template apart at the joints. There are times when this technique helps a lot. Other times when it really matters not at all.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Nice! Sounds like a great way to do it if you need the dimensions of the template to stay exactly as drawn.

[@scottykav9850]

Very useful video pleasure to watch very true good foundation to start from makes the build smoother.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@markprochaska6756]

Great insights Shaun. Keep up the good work.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@jtrain79]

I have really been enjoying your work and your videos.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! Really appreciate it! Nice job on your bent lamination chair, too!

[@yorckherzberg5628]

You have always very good projects. Many greetings from germany !!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@LeeroyReading]

Great vid on your process Shaun.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it!

[@ivos236]

nice explanation of templates

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks for watching!

[@malesnyari650]

Hello im new in this job, your very helping me.. am from any piece side of your world. thanks to internet

[@whitneychaney86]

In your case...MDF = making dope furniture

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Hiyo!

[@ZahidAli-kh7zc]

Hello

[@Darrell_Coquillette]

Great topic! I was wondering at first how you were accounting for the kerf.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks!

[@HODYODesign]

I love the way you skip the sketchup step and the whole process, even though it adds an extra step to reshape the pieces after you cut the joints with the track saw. Simple, intuitive, efficient.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you! I like to keep things as simple as possible when I can.

[@jeremyspecce]

I liked it but the ending wasn't awkward enough. Haha. I think you channeled Garth in that ending. Nice video, as usual.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, man! I'll take that as a compliment! Wayne's World is one of my favorite movies, and I was Garth for halloween a couple times back in college.

[@timberdish]

Great words of wisdom at the end, as always :-D . Nice one Shaun, a very valid how-to on something that clearly goes a long way in making a good start on a project! :-)

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, Matt! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rafikipete6740]

catchy finish as always

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, thanks!

[@xraydog2011]

U should try CNC ,dope video though

[@michaelhelmuth1673]

You are the best. Keep it up.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks, Michael!

[@milosrankovic8952]

Great videos. Wondering any place to doownload template files from? Thanks.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks! I am actually working on plans for a few of my pieces that I can hopefully have available soon.

[@qinkueen]

Shaun the best 👍👍👍👍

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, thank you!

[@crucialjosh5951]

Love your videos and knowledge man

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@dairybarnwoodworking215]

Lol. I love your outros(is that a word). Anyway is the dust collection on that ridgid sander as horrible as they say it is? Been thinking about picking one up but I hate dust machines!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, thanks! I'm getting good at bad outros. The dust collection on the ridgid sander isn't great. I hook up my dust collector to it, and it does a decent job, but definitely could be better. But for the price and size, it is a great little machine.

[@jens-digitalwoodwork9852]

Templates FTW - thank you for sharing your techniques

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks for watching!

[@mattbork5258]

Nice work on the video, I need to start taking the time to make templates for projects...

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thanks! Yeah, templates take a little bit of time at first, but always save time in the long run.

[@whatYouUptoPulkit]

Hey Shaun!! I don't know if it is ok to ask, but can you tell the dimensions for these templates. It would be great help, as I never worked with wood but inspired by your creations I want to make this one. Hope you the best🙈🙈

[@leopetarjk2251]

i made a double bed for my children with that material and for being the first furniture i make it looks fuckin good all were surprise !!! now im waching your videos to learn !!! i will buy some tools to start !!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH SR!!! SALUDOS FROM ARGENTINA!!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome! Glad it turned out nicely! Thanks for watching and good luck with your woodworking.

[@mynameispnice]

I got a lot from this one. Thanks for the tips!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@craigbase6246]

Mate this video, earned you a new subscriber 🤘🏼👍🏻 also thanks! This is so simple but my mind was so far off it. I couldn’t grasp what or how to take the next step. P.s Chris soloman (four eyes) sent me here

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome, man! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@robira1313]

I was really hoping you showed us the next step on what to do with the template.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHPZm6CZaqmIY8k

[@ScrewDrvr]

This is the main reason I built a small cnc router. It makes templates absolutely perfect.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Yeah, I imagine if I had a CNC, I would be making templates constantly.

[@matthiaslasowski6706]

Hey Shaun, sometimes it is looking like you´re not feeling comfortable in front of a cam, but i really like your calm style. I think it is much better to be an good craftsman and not an entertainer than the other way around. Hang loose man! Greetings from the german baltic coast

[@shaunboydmadethis]

You are definitely right! I hate being in front of the camera. But I appreciate your kinds words, thanks for watching!

[@blackhulk1984]

hi., do you have the measurement of your rocking chair? maybe roughly measurement...

[@leandroneves468]

Formidável parabéns

[@scotthaun8582]

do you put any finish on them to help protect the templates and make them last?

[@shaunboydmadethis]

I never have, but that could be a good idea. The main thing for me is not dropping them, and avoiding dings and dents on corners.

[@Ufimskiy]

Good job :) great video ending as well ))))

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@driftlessjoinery5059]

I don't know if I look forward to these videos for the content or the uncomfortable close. Looking forward to seeing your finished piece.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, come for the content, stay for the awkward guy talking to his camera.

[@jorgeiberri664]

Excellent!!!!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@appleorangebananakiwi]

I can understand why you want to draw it all on there to see the whole thing but it feels like you must have a ton of waste MDF? Also I thought about that blade kerf, which you also mention later. Isn't there a better way? How do you usually use your templates later? Double sided tape or? Nice video though. Will definitely check through your other videos.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Yeah, as with anything, there is a bit of waste, but I keep most of the offcuts and use them for other stuff. There are different ways to deal with the blade kerf throwing off the geometry, but this is the quickest/easiest way I have found. I use double-sided tape in some cases, or I will use clamps if it is a large piece. Thanks for watching!

[@glenralph5123]

Can't wait to see your rockler chair.

[@shaunboydmadethis]

I'm excited to get it finished too!

[@MultiTom1956]

Shaun , thank you 😊

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Thank you!

[@seanmcd6245]

Woohoo thanks Shaun

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Right on, thanks for watching!

[@MrAlexvip80]

You are the man

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, thanks!

[@claterpult]

Love it! Keep it up, you'll get a good sign off soon enough ;)

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, thanks! One of these times it is going to stick.

[@akfisher7138]

My tuppance worth. Use 3 mm mdf and shape that. Faster and more accurate. It is really easy to cut and get nice smooth curves. If I really want something more durable Inwould use my 3 mm and make a 6 or thicker one. The edges on new template will be perpendicular to the face, so its great if you have to flip the template. Why 3 mm is

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Awesome, I like a bit of thickness in my templates, but glad that works for you. Thanks for watching!

[@gmor46]

Hang in there...you’ll come up with something cool :)))

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, I'll definitely keep trying.

[@4ovninabooghu]

В инструмент и оборудование вложены хорошие деньги, окупается это все?

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Yes, there is an investment to get started, but I have been able to find enough work to keep going. Да, есть инвестиции, чтобы начать, но я смог найти достаточно работы, чтобы продолжать идти.

[@4ovninabooghu]

@@shaunboydmadethis а где работу выкладываешь Instagram или ebay? кто покупатель?

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Yes, I post on Instagram and my website. I sell a lot locally, as well. Да, я отправляю на Instagram и мой сайт. Я также продаю много мест.

[@4ovninabooghu]

@@shaunboydmadethis Спасибо и удачи друг )

[@smnhpkns]

BOOOOOM

[@shaunboydmadethis]

👍👍

[@jameshewlett7526]

As always? I‘ve checked evey single video - YOU LIE - still I like your templates and I like MDF. I like cats too btw. Oh and you didn‘t explain the lumber storage - so disappointed 😢. I said Good evening

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, you found me out! Glad you still liked it!

[@davestrain1762]

It's mostly where he stores lumber

[@stephencurrie1742]

MDF = face mask yeah!!! ?????

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Usually, yes. When I am filming, that is usually the first thing I forget, unfortunately.

[@christinecahill2874]

You should have edited out the last 30 seconds or so. AWKWARD! !! Just sayin'....! Now get back to making dope ass furniture. Stay away from the instructional videos, we've got enough teachers out here trying to make a name for themselves. Creative people need to be just that. Creative...! Thanks for sharing. Now stop it. Lol

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Haha, not sure I can make any guarantees for any of that. I wish I could make a living on just being creative alone, but unfortunately I haven't cracked that one yet. Thanks for watching!