Prototype Template Hold Down - Need advice!

Hi all,
    I was asked to make something to attach to a template to stabilize them. Attached is a pic of 2 sizes. The rod is acrylic 1/2" and the suction cups are 1 7/8 and 2 1/2". They seem to work fairly well. The suction cups are US made by the company that invented them and do not let go until you pull the tab.

My question is are the handles too long? As I watch quilting videos (yes, I know lame for a guy) it appears these may be too tall.

Let me know what you think! You can right click the image link and open in a new tab or window if you don't see it.

Thanks,
Dennis

Sorry Dennis your link is not working so I can't see what you've got. I'll check back to see if link is fixed later.

Can't open the link either.

What is the handles length?

They look good to me. The ones I've considered buying are more like a gate handle, however, so pressure is downwards, not putting stress on the wrist.

Dennis, did you mean to answer Linda's question? Got the quote but not the answer and I have the same question.

It is 4"

Ok, so I guess you just grab them and hold down. I think 4" is good actually. That is only about 1/2" longer than my palm is wide so would barely stick out above my hand. Don't think that would get in the way at all.

Thanks, Will have to see if anyone will buy them now!

TxMaryQuilts wrote:

Ok, so I guess you just grab them and hold down. I think 4" is good actually. That is only about 1/2" longer than my palm is wide so would barely stick out above my hand. Don't think that would get in the way at all.

Umm 4" isn't completely across my palm. Gulp.

What kind of a template is it supposed to be holding down?

Do you have a way to open another page so we can see what they're holding down?   It looks very interesting.  I'd like to know more.....  thanks.

Some kind of a knob on the top would be better. After a while, it would become harder and harder to make the fist needed to grip the handle. The weight of your hand on a knob on the top would hold it down easier. Then you could choose to grip the handle OR hold the knob.

Luvs has a really good idea. I was only thinking on the length, but to really finish it off nicely, a knob would be good. How are the suction cups?

Ok. Here are a couple of shots with templates. One is on an 1/8" and one a 1/4". I also included a pic of the handle template version that we sell to Origami people. That may have some possibilities as well. The suction works pretty good. I also thought that maybe in use you may have your hand resting around it right on the template, especially when using the large templates?

Thanks very much for all the input and comments!

Dennis

Hi,
Here is another version of the template hold down. 5 1/2" Long x 2 1/4" High. Made of acrylic rod and suction cups. Comments appreciated!

Regards,
Dennis

that looks like a similar one I have to use with my ruler, your suction cups looks better though. Do people use the ones for the rulers for templates?

That does look similar to one that's used to hold rulers steady. I would think there is more need for a one suction cup template holder. I've never seen one that is smaller.

I like the overall clean lines of it. Using that clear acrylic is nice. The one for the rulers look like they function well. The single handle for the templates is a good idea. Those puppies can be tricky to cut around. I know, I have a lot of them.

I like that one better than the one I spent big bucks on that  Fons and Porter has.  It doesn't work!

Thanks for the feedback. The 2 suction cup version may be too labor intensive and therefore expensive. A lot of drilling and gluing. The single handle template we do on with 1/4" only as it takes the thickness to make is stable. We made these as a special order for origami folks. Do you think quilters would use as well?

What do you not like about Fons and Porters?

Thanks,

Dennis

With the Fons and Porter one, the suction cups wouldn't hold tight and came loose.

The suction cups are the most important part. They have to hold. And yes, I think quilters will buy. We are suckers for gadgets.