Does anyone make their own templates (out of template plastic)? You can buy it at Joann's etc.. what Im curious about is does anyone have one of those stencil/template cutter things, kinda looks like a soldering iron..and if you have one, how do you like it? simple to use??

I've made my own templates.

If they have straight edges, I use my rotary cutter and ruler to cut them.

If they have curved edges, I cut them out with a scissors.

Don't have a template cutter, so can't offer any comments about them.

you do better with an exacto knife!

I make my own using either rotary cutter, scissors, or exacto. Often thought of the template cutting tool but never took the plunge to try one.

I have had my template/stencil tool for close to 30 years. In that time, it has been wonderful to make special/one of a kind stencils for friends and families. It has allowed to create unique designs that can't be purchased. I don't use it as much now as I have in the past but it has been well worth the investment and doesn't owe me a dime should it quit.

Do you use your rotary cutter with the templates you make? I find they are thin and dangerous to use with the rotary. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thats great. Im going to keep my eye peeled for a good price on one. I wonder if harbor freight might have one.. will have to check that out.

I use my stencil tool all the time. I also have the Clover iron with interchangeable tips and it has a stencil tip also. I use a picture frame with the glass in it and lay the plastic on top when cutting the stencil. Keeps me from burning something accidentally!

I use my stencil cutting tool and it works wonderfully. Great for making quilting stencils. I always put glass underneath it when I'm using it. I use it for stencils when I'm making them for stencil painting also.

Do you use your rotary cutter with the templates you make? I find they are thin and dangerous to use with the rotary. Any advice would be appreciated!

no you do not use your templates like they are a ruler--you are right that would be very dangerous!
you can place the template then put your ruler over it and cut- or you can trace around it (normal template use) then line your ruler up on the lines and cut- or trace around your template and use scissors to cut out your pieces.