SurfaceFabrication.com |

COUNTERBalance and ISLANDBalance
When it comes to templating countertops, calculating in the overhang for a raised bar, peninsula or island can be tricky. The COUNTERBalance or ISLANDBalance brackets from Chemical Concepts can make these overhangs simple. The COUNTERBalance plate is designed to attach to stud walls, supporting overhangs on raised bar countertops, and the ISLANDBalance bracket is designed to support overhangs on island and peninsula countertops. Both products eliminate the need for corbels, can support the weight of granite and install in minutes, reports the company. These countertop supports simplify the templating process by taking the guesswork out of your overhang calculations.

DigiCoder
The NEMI DigiCoder offers the trace function. DigiCoder is a 2- or 3-axis digitizer designed for reverse engineering parts, patterns or templates you would like to see reproduced without point-to-point digitizing. Digitize complex shapes by fastening them to the backboard and tracing with a probe. Digitize basic square with only a few points. With a few clicks, the captured data is converted and output in several optional formats including a standard DXF file. The DigiCoder can be attached to your existing computer network via wired or wireless ethernet. Files can also be transferred via USB jump drive or SD card.

E-Template Photo 2.3
E-Template Photo 2.3 works well for complex custom measuring in any shop. Measurements are collected with high-resolution photographs and the software does the rest. Photos are automatically processed to a CAD DXF that will cut a vinyl template, print a detailed shop drawing or go directly to any CNC machine. Before fabricating, design and fit can be quality checked by seeing the profile of the top in the photos.

FaroArm
FARO Technologies has developed the Digital Template FaroArm. The system enables builders and fabricators to create and inspect electronic files for countertops, backsplashes, side splashes, window sills, wall caps, breakfast counters and other common shapes. The measurement data can be transmitted directly to a CNC machine.

Interlocking Straight Edge System
The Interlocking Straight Edge System from AMPS, a versatile routing tool available through Select Machinery, consists of high-quality, precision-manufactured straight edges with interlocking capability. When connecting multiple straight edges you can form continuous length. When curves are needed you can connect the straight edges with corner plates of multiple radii and 45 or 90 degree angle combinations to route the shape of your countertop. It needs only 1 clamp on each end to hold the entire system in place while the cut is being made. Custom templates and kits are available.

Laser Templator
Laser Products Templator is a digital templator. It offers completed DXF files for CNCs and plotters and can do sink drop-ins quickly. Full backsplashes and complicated contoured walls are not a problem. Laser Products provides a fully loaded PocketPC with everything to complete the most difficult jobs as well as three training methods. A training DVD is also available upon request.

LP-HFD Laser Pattern Projection System
Rather than creating expensive and difficult to handle wooden templates or printed vinyl sheets from electronic templating systems, the LP-HFD Laser Pattern Projection System from Carter Products can project full-size, highly visible lines directly onto the surface material using the DXF files created by the templating system. Projected patterns can be electronically moved, rotated and nested to create the optimum solution for each particular job. Unlimited jobs can be stored on the hard drive for future use and recalled when needed. The system allows an operator to quickly mark the end and corner positions of the required cuts so that these marks can be easily aligned with the bridge saw's laser indicator for accurate sawing.

LT-55 XL Precision Laser Templator
The LT-55 XL Precision Laser Templator is available from Granite City Tool. Using Samsung's Q1 Ultra TabletPC, rewritten software, a larger screen, digital camera, wireless internet and a keyboard, templating is simple. You can drag the drawing around the screen, click + or - to zoom in and out, take pictures of the job and attach them to the template file. The larger screen makes editing a breeze and with a wireless internet card you can email the pictures, template and a customer's signature back to the shop from the field. Standard fillets and offsets can be added depending on a fabricator's need. Turn the Samsung Q1 on, if an internet connection is available it will search for and install updates. Training videos are loaded on the Q1 to get the help while in the field.

Pathfinder Laser Template Station
The Pathfinder Laser Template Station from Park Industries projects electronic template files onto your slab to improve manual layout efficiency at the saw station. The system allows you to nest parts for optimum utilization of the material. Additionally, the template station can be equipped to capture digital images of the slabs, allowing fabricators to preview the rendered job with customers before the stone is cut.

PhotoTop
Fabricator's Choice offers the PhotoTop digital templating system, which works directly with CNC routers. The system makes a record of the jobsite by using a customized digital camera, specialized software, a roll of DotTape and 20 marker panels that are 8 ½ by 11 in. and covered with specifically sized and positioned dotst, creating a 3-D jobsite. DotTape defines the measurements and shape through its placement on the wall and sides of cabinets. It reduces the jobsite fieldwork times to an average of 15 to 25 minutes. The software processes photos and delivers a pixel-by-pixel representation of the jobsite.

Templamat
Templamat LLC offers Templamat, a flexible templating material that takes the place of rigid lauan strips. The product comes in a kit weighing 10 lbs. and containing the equivilant of 30, 8-ft. strips of lauan. With this material there is no need for hot glue, electricity, saws or large vehicles. The material's adhesive bond, that sets up in six to eight minutes, does not separate even in heat and water, making the product suitable for wet cutting. The kit includes everything needed to template several kitchens and/or baths. The 48-in. strips are precision cut to any width. It can be used to make templates if there are void spaces for dishwashers, overhangs, etc.

Templast
Templast, available through Specialtytools.com, is a transparent corrugated plastic suitable for templating. The sheets are sized at 48 by 96 in. and 28 by 120 in. They are also available in 3 by 96 in. strips for fabricators used to Luan templates. The material is waterproof, lightweight and durable and can be cut with a razor knife or scissors. Scribing can be done with a magic marker. The material can be hot melted together so you can use it over and over again and notes can be made directly on the surface with a marker. Once a template is made you can score it, fold it up and throw it in your car or van. It's transparent making cabinet dividers, obstructions, overhangs and areas where buildups are needed viewable.

TemplatePro
TemplatePro templating products, manufactured by FabQuick, is a complete line of countertop templating products including templating material, adhesive and templating clips which secure the templating material during assembly of the template. Designed by fabricators, the products provide accuracy for the creation of cut-ready templates in less than half the time as traditional methods. The clips were designed for use with traditional face-framed cabinets. One provides a 1 ½-in. overhan, and one accommodates stove and refrigerator openings. The templates can be digitized for CNC/waterjet applications.