@tjbnwi The drywall shim you show looks like cardboard. Is there really such a thing?
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I must look really dishonest.
![Eek! [eek]](https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/Smileys/default/eek.gif)
These are the shims I use to make my templates;
http://www.amazon.com/Strait-Flex-DS-45-Drywall-Shim/dp/B00236E27QThere is also drywall shim on a roll comes in 1/16th and 1/8th;
http://trim-texestore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=67http://trim-texestore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=178I make my own tops so they fit when I install them.
Best way to make the template is to set the shim edge to the back wall, a few dabs of glue will hold it to the cabinet, set a corner tip to tip, don't bend it, run the front with the over hang and the last corner. Glue in some bracing as shown in the previous post. Any curves and undulations can be patterned by cutting short pieces of shim, push the edge against the wall, hold it in place as the glue cools. Do this all the around the temple where needed. Write all the references and notes on the template.
If you did everything correctly you'll have a top that fits perfectly once it is matched to the template.
Odds are you won't be able to get the top in when doing an alcove install. To solve this problem, tape a piece of aluminum coil to one of the side walls, place the opposite edge of the top on the cabinet, the top should be high on the aluminum side, push the top in place, as it slides down, the aluminum protects the wall, kinda acts like a shoe horn. Pull the aluminum, you're done.
Again no way I'd do all that taping, I'm wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to lazy.
Tom