Putting a Pattern to Wood

[bandsawman]

Hi everyone. I was reading some inputs here about problems folks have had with packing tape, and other methods of attaching patterns to wood. It seems the majority of folks go for the blue painter's tape, which works fine, but I find a little pricey. For years I have used the sticky shelf paper that is cheap and has worked very well for me. I can get a roll at Walmart for about $3.00 and it goes a long way, especially if I save the cut off pieces and use for smaller projects. It goes on easily, comes off easily and does not leave any residue or pull up the grain.

 

I saw an advertisement for a double sided sticky paper just for scrolling and thought I would try it. I was very disappointed. It was easy to apply but I found it had a problem coming off the wood while cutting. I threw it away and went back to my shelf paper.

 

Hope you find this information useful.

[marter1229]

I may have to try that idea.

I have used blue tape, but like you said it can get pricey.

On small pieces, I just stick the pattern to the wood.

 

Terry

[rjR]

I usually just buy $store tape clear packing at a BUCK a roll. Tape my piece of wood thoroughly and put the pattern over the top with a permanent marker. I make templates of things I intend to repeat.

 

Minor errors also disappear when I pull the tape!

 

I may have to try the shelf paper thing. The clear tape also seems to be a good blade lube.

[LarryEA]

Thank you for another option. I use Glad PressN Seal and like Terry, just spray glue the pattern to the wood.

[Nick@tinkers-cove]

Not sure what it's referred to as in the US, but all you need is cheap standard 'White Masking Tape'. It comes in a range of widths, and is predominantly used in the vehicle repair industry. If you prep the wood correctly, and apply the tape in the same way - it's perfect (and very cheap). I'm aware that everyone has preferences, but after many experiments...I'd use nothing else. There are many other methods which usually cost far more money, but standard masking tape and re-positional spray adhesive is all you'll ever need. I hope this helps, and any questions are welcome.

For detailed information, please see http://www.tinkers-cove.blogspot.co.uk/
Kindest Regards,
Nick.

Edited August 24, 2014 by Nick@tinkers-cove

[amazingkevin]

I've never try the ways in this post.I just take everything off with mineral spirits in one shot, then spray the project with the spirits and wipe off a couple of times.guess i'm old school/ Can't teach an old dog new tricks unless there's a food reward,lol

[bandsawman]

Thanks everyone for your inputs to my suggestion. I do have a comment about using masking tape. I sometimes use it for the back side of the project being cut. I find that if you are doing a lot of close cutting (letters in a name for instance) when I go to remove the tape when the cut is finished, it does not all come off. Usually, where the letters are it sticks to the letters and I have to "pick" the bits of tape off the wood.

 

Conversely, when I use the shelf paper 99% of the time the front and back just peals away leaving a smooth and adhesive free project.