Jessem Mast-R-Lift Question

[Lance Tonkinson]

For those of you who built your own table/cabinets using the Mast-R-Lift, did you purchase the template or cut your own opening and recess? I'm wondering how succesful I could be at not ruining $60 worth of baltic birch ply or if I should just bite the bullet and get the template. Any method advice would sure be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lance