How to add decorative edge to wood table with curved corners
user-389891
| Posted in General Discussion on
I am building an outdoor table top out of honduras mahogany. I would like to round the corners and then add a contrasting edging (walnut maybe) around the outside perimter. I assume I would use a jig saw but cutting a corner and then a recurve to fit over that would be fraught with errors by my impresise cutting. Anyway to circumvent that?
Replies
You could use a router with a template. It moves the cutting precision to the template, but you can try until you like the curve without wasting your good material.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2018/11/13/must-router-jigs-make-complex-s-curves-flexible-template
You can also purchase a template and use a curve the template maker provides.
This requires a several step process. The primary tool will be a router, but a jigsaw will speed the process and save wear of your router bits.
A. First, cut the perimeter of the table using a router on a radial arm/ circle cutting jig, centered on the table, and a 1/2" shank straight bit.
https://www.rockler.com/rockler-circle-ellipse-router-jig?country=US&sid=V91040&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyoPZ5qa39QIVivOzCh1MfgAGEAQYASABEgKrvPD_BwE
B. Depending on material availability, table dimension and width of edging desired the number of components for your edging will vary. Typically it will require 8 - 12 pieces. The ends of equal lengths of edging need to be mitered to create a perfect octagon/ dodecagon. However, it would be wise to make one of them an 1" longer so that it can be custom fitted.
C. With edging in place/ seated, use a compass to draw the inside and outside edges of the edging.
D. Using a jigsaw or bandsaw, cut the edging close to but not up to the lines.
E. Now use the router and radius arm jig to shape all the inside arcs and then all the outside arcs. Test the inside arc against the existing tabletop to confirm you have the correct radius. Go slow.
F. Once all edge pieces are made (be sure to make a few extra), mark the table into equal wedges and start fitting the edging.
Frankie