Stencils

[Wagonrider]

For a winter project I want to build some ammunition boxes (Confederate) . I know where to get proper dimensions ,etc. but I need a source for the stencils. As I don't know if different arsenals used different stencils I need your help. I am primarily interested in the Richmond Depot but am curious of others. If you could help me out I certainly would appreciate your input. -Kevin Hanson - oh yes - a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[orngblsm]

Good Luck finding them pre-made. This is what I did: I took original photos and put them in Photoshop and Typed my Template right over it, then deleted the photo and voila, my stencile template was formed.

Respectfully,

[roundshot]

You may find some useful information here:
http://www.charliesboatworks.com/

[John McClellan]

Contact Don Smith of Trans-Mississippi Depot company on the approved vendors list, he makes nice stencils and can help you with the information you are looking for.
John McClellan

[ajhamler]

I recently made several ammo-box stencils and a stencil for a hardtack crate exactly the way Ryan suggests, by using a photo as a template. (Plenty available on the LOC Web site.)

Here are two tips for making stencils:

Once you've created the stencil, save it as an image file. If you live in a larger urban area, you may have a sign shop that offers laser cutting. They can take your image file, pop it into their computer, enlarge it to the size you specify, and produce the stencil in good-quality stencil card stock very quickly. The price for this varies greatly, but it's a huge time saver.

If you're cutting the stencils yourself, use manila-folder stock or something similar. This isn't particularly easy to cut, but it makes for a nice stiff stencil that is easier to use, and holds up well. If you're forced to use regular paper for the stencil (for example, if regular paper is the only thing your printer will use to print out the image file), apply a layer of clear, peel-off plastic laminate to the paper before cutting. It doesn't make the cutting all that much more difficult, and it lends a lot of strength to the paper. This will also help prevent paint from soaking through the thin paper, something that isn't a problem with regular stencil card stock.

A.J.