how to transfer templates to an actual control panel?

[big daddy]

OK this is a dumb question from a newbie, but I have a handful of templates (jpgs) for the various controls (joysticks, buttons, etc.).  I also have taken these templates and created a complete diagram of my control panel, to scale, in photoshop.

My question is, how do I translate those templates to a real control panel?  Seems if I print out my full diagram I'll have a piece of paper(or several actually as my paper's not big enough to print the whole panel) that I can sit on my control panel.  How do I transfer the diagram to the panel?  Use a pencil and draw "through" the paper? (in fact cutting into the paper itself?).  Use a razor and cut through the paper etching into the wood/cardboard?.  Use the measurements from the templates and just measure it on my CP (but then what are the templates for if I do that?).  

Even if I use cardboard as a temporary cp cutout...I still can't figure out how to get the templates from paper to the cardboard/wood.   Any help would be appreciated  

[fatbasta]

I'm no expert, but what I did was print out my template on paper, tape it to the CP and tape my Plexi on top of that making a plexi-template-MDF sandwich.  I then drilled my pilot holes, then used my drill press and hole saw to drill through the plexi, template and finally the MDF. On my MiniPacman I tried using the finished artwork between the plexi and the MDF, I only had 4 holes to drill so I thought it would be okay, but the drill ended up tearing my image.   Again, I'm just a newbie like you and there will be plenty of other better suggestions I'm sure.   http://members.cox.net/fatbasta/minipacman.htm

[big daddy]

well that's a good idea, except I'm probably not going to have a plexiglass cover  

[nighthawk2099]

All I did was print out the full template on regular paper.  Taped them together.  Taped that to the MDF (make sure it's secured by the tape).  Took out the drill and started drilling.  Go slow until you cut through the paper as not to rip it all up, then go to town on the wood.

[daywane]

carbon paper should work.

[DrewKaree]

Not saying anyone's ideas are all wrong.  Lemme see if I have you correct first, and I'll reply based on my assumption of what you want.  I use templates for doors, handles, hinges...all kindsa stuff on a daily basis (I do remodels in wintertime - kitchens mainly)

You want to use your template to tell you where to drill the holes on your CP.  That's my understanding of what you are looking to do.

Set up your templates on your CP.  Take an awl (screwdriver looking thing with just a sharp point on it) or some other such implement (a nail works too) and punch the center of each button/joystick hole - right through the paper, and hard, to give you the mark of where to drill on the CP.  When done, remove your templates, and drill, using your template as an idea of where to look for your marks in case you didn't press hard enough.

If you don't have "cross-hairs" on your buttons or joystick holes, go into Photoshop and make 'em.  Just add a layer, add a shape (line), and place them into your image until you get a "+" on your button/joystick holes.  

If you are trying to freehand the holes and don't have crosshairs on the hole area, good luck.  The crosshairs are vital to getting your alignment correct.  Each bit you are going to use (forstner, spade, holesaw, drill) to drill the holes ALL have a point in the center to help you center the hole.  Use the Photoshop crosshairs to help you better use the hole bit.

[DougHillman]

Drew's right on here.  There's no need to transfer anything other than your hole centerpoints to your CP blank.  But it's essential to mark them.  

Just make sure you drill the right size hole on the correct mark.  

[javeryh]

exactly.  also, if you are trying to cut out an actual shape, use a nail or something pointy and punch through the paper at all the corners.  Then remove the paper and connect your points with a straightedge and light pencil...