A template or jig sells repeatability; a craft blank sells a prepared surface or form for the buyer’s creativity. Both need accurate instructions, clear limits and truthful marketplace description.
Concepts to evaluate
- marking or drilling templates with defined datum edges;
- alignment jigs for repeat placement;
- replaceable wear/template parts;
- sets of shape blanks for painting or craft use;
- bundled blank families based on one material and pack.
Template/jig questions
- What edge, hole or feature establishes position?
- How does the user secure and orient it?
- What tool/process does it guide?
- What wear or misuse can occur?
- Does accuracy depend on another uncontrolled surface?
- What instructions and warnings are needed?
A repeatability test for a template
Choose a representative workpiece and define the intended datum. Remove and replace the template several times using only the proposed instructions and securing method. Mark or drill the locations, then compare them with the acceptance requirement. Rotate or reverse the workpiece where a user might do so accidentally. Record slippage, wear, confusing orientation and the effect of damaged reference edges.
The test should separate the template from the user’s tool. A guide hole may locate a mark consistently while the final drill wanders because of technique or unsuitable equipment. Product wording must not guarantee an outcome beyond the tested system.
For craft blanks, the value proposition is different. Buyers need accurate material, dimensions, finish state and variation information plus photographs of the real supplied blank. The seller should not imply that customer decoration shown in examples is included. Bundles need count and shape control, edge protection and a package that prevents thin pieces rubbing or snapping.
Whether selling a jig or blank, preserve your rights record and check current marketplace categories. A production partner can support physical manufacture without determining listing eligibility.
Plan product retirement as well as launch. A worn jig or changed user tool can make old instructions unsafe or inaccurate. Give controlled variants separate identifiers and keep compatibility statements tied to the version tested. For craft-blank bundles, changing material, thickness or supplier may alter finish behaviour; review the listing photographs and customer guidance before substituting stock under the same SKU.
Craft-blank questions
Define material, finish state, variation, intended customer work and how the item fits current marketplace rules. Do not imply that selling a blank is automatically eligible on Etsy.
Checks before production
Use the diagrams to identify the reference and holding method. Performance claims need a real template or jig that demonstrates repeat placement, with the test limits recorded.
Evidence for a template, jig or blank review
User workflow, reference method, geometry, material, quantity, instructions, safety questions and bundle/pack plan.
Compare a locating jig with craft blanks
A drilling template should locate repeated holes from a cabinet edge, while a craft-blank set offers shapes for customers to decorate. Both need a controlled drawing, representative material and a physical check before repeat production.
Define repeatability or seller finishing
| Decision | Evidence to use | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Datum method | Define which edge or feature establishes position. | Repeatability has a physical reference. |
| Tool interaction | Name drill, guide bush or marking method. | Hole size and wear are not guessed. |
| User instruction | Show orientation, securing and safe sequence. | A correct template cannot be used backwards silently. |
| Blank classification | Describe material and seller/customer work accurately. | Marketplace eligibility is checked rather than assumed. |
Repeatability and craft-blank design traps
The template flexes or shifts during use.
Review material, support and clamping method; test repeat placement rather than one successful mark.
A reference edge is not square or consistent.
State the required workpiece condition and provide a second locating feature where appropriate.
Wear changes hole or edge accuracy.
Define inspection and replacement criteria without claiming indefinite life.
Craft blanks are presented as the seller’s finished handmade products.
Use truthful photographs and current marketplace classification/disclosure.
Template, jig and blank checklist
- Describe user and task.
- Name datum and locating sequence.
- Provide actual tool/hardware.
- State material and thickness.
- Plan securing and clearance.
- Test repeat positions.
- Write use and limitation instructions.
- Define wear/replacement route.
- Bundle and protect edges.
- Check rights and marketplace policy.
Template and craft-blank questions
What proves a jig is repeatable?
Multiple documented placements measured against the intended result, not one visually successful use.
Can a template guide any tool?
No. Geometry, thickness, access and safety depend on the named tool and method.
Are CNC-cut shapes automatically craft supplies?
No. The seller must apply current marketplace rules to the real item and listing.
Test placement and check marketplace wording
Template claims require a physical repeated-placement test tied to material and tool. Craft-blank wording follows current official marketplace policy and must not imply affiliation or guaranteed eligibility.
Review a template or blank set
Review a template or blank concept, then set up part and revision control.