Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Template
For those of us who enjoy the art of woodworking, particularly crafting raised panel doors, the Grizzly Industrial Template promises precision and repeatability. Grizzly Industrial, a name synonymous with quality woodworking machinery and accessories, offers these clear plastic templates designed specifically for their panel shaping jigs. Priced at $65.28, this template set aims to simplify the creation of elegant raised door panel tops and matching rails, offering a potentially significant time-saving solution for serious woodworkers.
My quest for the perfect raised panel door led me to this template. I’ve wrestled with hand-shaping panels in the past, and the inconsistency and time commitment were simply unsustainable. These templates promised a consistent, professional finish without the headache.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clarity of the plastic. They felt sturdy enough to withstand repeated use with a spindle-mounted rub collar. Compared to creating my own templates from MDF, the clarity and pre-determined shapes were immediately appealing. My previous attempts at freehand routing or making my own jigs were often fraught with inaccuracies, so I was eager to see if the Grizzly Industrial Template lived up to the promise of consistent, professional results.
I initially chose this product over creating my own templates due to the anticipated time savings and precision. The price felt justified if it delivered on the promise of repeatable accuracy. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the quality of the material seemed good, but the true test would be in the execution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Template to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved creating a raised panel door for a new pantry cabinet in my workshop. I secured the Grizzly Industrial Template to my panel shaping jig, carefully following the instructions for spindle-mounted rub collar alignment. The jig moved smoothly, and the router bit carved a clean, consistent profile.
I was working in a well-lit shop with standard humidity levels. The Grizzly Industrial Template performed flawlessly. The only adjustment I had to make was dialing in the router speed to prevent burning the wood.
The learning curve was minimal. Anyone familiar with using a router table and spindle-mounted rub collars will find the transition seamless. I did make a few test cuts on scrap wood to ensure the depth of cut and collar alignment were perfect before committing to the final panel.
After the first use, I was impressed with the consistency of the raised panel profile. There were no unexpected issues, and the template guided the router smoothly. The result was a noticeable improvement over my previous attempts at freehand routing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Grizzly Industrial Template on various door projects, I can confidently say it’s a reliable tool. The templates show no signs of wear and tear, even after routing numerous panels. The plastic is holding up well to the constant pressure from the rub collar.
Maintaining the templates is simple; I just wipe them down with a soft cloth after each use to remove any sawdust or resin buildup. I also periodically check the alignment of the panel shaping jig to ensure consistent results. Compared to the time and effort required to create and maintain my own jigs, the Grizzly Industrial Template is a significant upgrade. It consistently outperforms my previous methods, delivering professional-quality results with minimal fuss.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Template
Specifications
The Grizzly Industrial Template is designed specifically for use with the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig. The template is made from clear plastic, allowing for easy visibility of the workpiece. This template is intended to guide spindle-mounted rub collars, and does not include these rub collars.
These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility and accurate shaping. The clear plastic allows for precise alignment, minimizing errors. The compatibility with the T10460 Panel Shaping Jig ensures a matched system for producing consistent raised panels.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Template performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a consistent and repeatable method for shaping raised panel doors. The accuracy is superb, and the finished panels have a professional look and feel.
The primary strength lies in its ease of use and repeatability. The main weakness is its limited application; it’s only compatible with the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig. The Grizzly Industrial Template definitely exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the clear plastic being durable and resistant to wear and tear. The templates are lightweight and easy to handle, making them comfortable to use for extended periods. The design is simple and intuitive, with no complicated features or adjustments.
The learning curve is minimal, even for novice woodworkers. The templates are easy to install and use. A basic understanding of router table operation is all that’s required.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Grizzly Industrial Template should last for years. The plastic is durable and resists cracking or breaking under normal use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The templates do not come with any additional accessories. The rub collars are required for use but are not included. Customization is limited to the specific shapes and sizes provided by the template design. The template is compatible with the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig, but it is not designed for use with other brands or models.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Template
Pros
- Provides consistent and repeatable results for raised panel door shaping. This ensures each panel matches perfectly.
- Easy to use, even for novice woodworkers. The learning curve is minimal.
- Durable clear plastic construction. Offers excellent visibility of the workpiece.
- Significant time-saver compared to creating custom jigs or freehand routing. Enables quicker project completion.
- Professional-quality results. Provides a polished and refined look to finished doors.
Cons
- Only compatible with the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig. Limits its versatility.
- Rub collars are required but not included. Adds to the overall cost.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Template?
The Grizzly Industrial Template is perfect for woodworkers who regularly create raised panel doors and own the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig. It’s also ideal for those seeking a more efficient and accurate method for shaping raised panels compared to traditional techniques. This is a must-have for any professional woodworker that uses raised panel doors.
If you don’t own the Grizzly T10460 Panel Shaping Jig or prefer freehand routing, this product isn’t for you.
To maximize the Grizzly Industrial Template’s performance, you’ll need a set of high-quality rub collars and a reliable router table. Proper dust collection is also essential to maintain visibility and prevent health hazards.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Template
The Grizzly Industrial Template is a valuable addition to any woodworker’s shop, offering a precise, repeatable, and efficient method for shaping raised panel doors. The investment is justified by the time savings and professional-quality results it delivers. I would definitely recommend the Grizzly Industrial Template to anyone looking to streamline their raised panel door-making process.
If you are ready to take your woodworking to the next level, invest in the Grizzly Industrial Template. You won’t be disappointed!