Template ProductionTools and Equipment for Making Templates

Stonemasonry Department 2012

Measuring Tools

Squares are used to ensure that all marking lines are square and perpendicular. There are various types of square suitable for marking templates but rosewood squares are the most effective as they are durable, non-adjustable and the thick stocks allows templates to be aligned correctly.

Steel Rules are the preferred measuring instrument as they offer a high degree of accuracy and retain clear markings.

Marking ToolsScribers are used to score lines into sheet metal zinc. They will usually have a steel shaft and a sharp tungsten tip. It is important to keep the tip of the scriber sharp at all times to ensure that lines are clearly visible.Steel Dividers are used in the same way as a compass. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be manufactured with tungsten tips for use on stone.

The points of the divider must be kept sharp at all times.Beam Compass consist of two trammel heads attached to a beam. They are designed to mark curves of a larger radius than standard compass or dividers can reach. One trammel is held on the centre point whilst the other is used to mark the curve.

Cutting and Shaping Tools

Snips can be used to remove wastage from sheet metal zinc when making a template. They are used similarly to everyday scissors and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Snips are not usually recommended for reducing the template to the working lines as they are not capable of cutting to the accuracy required.

Metal Files are used to reduce zinc templates to the working lines. By “rubbing” a file against the template, the template can be reduced accurately to the working lines.

Files are available in various shapes and sizes It is advisable to have at least one round file and one flat file in your toolkit.

Finishing Tools

Steel Wool is used to clean a zinc template upon completion. Although not an essential item, rubbing the template with the steel wool will give it a more professional appearance and will allow markings to be seen more clearly.

Permanent Markers are used to mark essential information, such as mould profile, type of template, top bed, bottom bed, face etc, which should always be displayed clearly on a template.

Developed by The Stonemasonry DepartmentCity of Glasgow College

2012