Shaping the headstock - techniques?

[MKlee]

I've put off shaping my headstock for way too long and would love to hear some other's techniques for doing this. The challenge I'm concerned about is making everything exactly symmetrical with smooth, clean lines that look "machine" cut.

Here is the best technique that I've been able to come up with so far: I'm thinking of making a template from lexan or plexiglass and working it until I get it exactly correct. Any errors here can be thrown away and re-done. Then I'll add registry pins to the template to hold in in place on my oversized headstock. Lastly, I'll use a small diameter straight router bit with a guide bearing to cut the design into the headstock on a router table. Of course all of this will need to be done prior to doing any lamination which could then be glued down and sanded easily to cover up the registry pin holes.

I've included a rough drawing of my design. I also have a little concern about hand-filing the interior corner that is too tight for a router, any technique ideas here would also be appreciated.

Does this make sense? Does anyone use other techniques or have any additional tips?

Thanks,
Mark

[B. Howard]

I do not use a template myself but know lots who do, the only suggestion I have is to use your tuner holes to index your template. And yes, any tight inside corners will need finished off by hand with files, chisel, etc.

[darren]

I do not use a template myself but know lots who do, the only suggestion I have is to use your tuner holes to index your template. And yes, any tight inside corners will need finished off by hand with files, chisel, etc.

Yep, glue the head plate on and use the tuner locations to index the template.

[tippie53]

me band saw then sand.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Mark,
I saw, plane, and drum sand my pattern, but you might take a look at how Robbie Obrien does his classical headstocks. He has a video series Tips Du Jur that you can find on the internet. You might like to try it.

Kevin

[MKlee]

Thanks everybody for the input, I really liked Robbie Obrien's approach and may play with it a little before I try anything else. Appreciate it -