This is a collection of templates to assist in creating a horizontal fence by making it easier to keep the screws aligned vertically. It might seem like a small detail, but keeping the screws aligned is important, because if they are not, the fence will always seem “off” although people might not be able to say why it looks odd.
These can fit over the ends or over the middle of a board by turning them over.
All the guide holes are the same distance from the edge of the board. On the 1x2 there is only one screw hole and it is exactly in the middle. On the others there are two and they are the same distance from the edge as the 1x2.
These are meant to be used when the board is aligned and clamped in place. It doesn't matter if it is perfectly positioned vertically, but it must be perfectly positioned horizontally. That is, the position left/right must be correct, but you don't need to ensure it is the proper distance from the board below or above, so long as it is within a few inches.
Align the template with the edge of the vertical 2x4 or 4x4 behind the fence board. Be consistent about which side you use as a reference and the orientation of the template. Using a pointy object, or your conical countersink drill bit, or a pen, mark or make an impression in the middle of each hole in the template. Then remove the template and drill holes where you had marked or dented the surface. I prefer countersunk holes because they avoid splitting the wood.
If I have positioned the board correctly vertically then I drill through it into the 2x4 or 4x4 behind. If not, I only drill through the fence board. Once the fence board is drilled and aligned I screw it onto the vertical support behind it.
Repeating this process results in perfectly aligned screws (within about 1mm of each other)
The author marked this model as their own original creation.