Inkscape for Makers

How to create custom templates for woodworker and maker projects

I love making custom templates to use for my projects. If you watch any of my videos there’s a good chance you’ll see me print out and use a template. I most commonly use printed templates when I want to cut out odd shapes or drill holes in precise locations. Some of these shapes can be drawn by pencil, but I like to see the perfectly laid out picture that I print out. I find it easer to see my cut lines and to sand my workpiece to the line. I find the most useful purpose for making a template is for scroll saw projects. I can take a picture and turn it into something easy to modify and cut out.

I use Inscape and Adobe Illustrator to make my templates. This tutorial series utilizes Inkscape because it’s a fantastic software and it’s free. You can download it here: Inkscape

There are three videos in this tutorial:

  • Introduction to Inkscape | Commonly Utilized Features for Makers

  • How to Make Simple Templates | Exporting Templates

  • Turn Pictures into Templates | Tips for Printing

 
 
 

Introduction to Inkscape

In this first video, we show the basic functions of inkscape. We discuss quick ways to dive right into using the software to create maker templates. We even prototype a template for making a router bit holder!

 
 
 

How to Make Simple Templates

Inkscape has a ton of capabilities. This video shows you how to make basic templates for your projects. We go over creating shapes and curves, allowing for perfect diagrams. At the end, we explain how to export your template so you can start making!

 
 
 

Turn Pictures into Templates

Learn how to convert a picture into a useful template. This video shows how to create pictures into vector images and how to modify them so they are perfect for your next project. See how to print large images for templates used in scroll saw work.