Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Oct 01, 2005 12:20am | #1

   Zapo, If the individual slats needed are not too wide, you can cut the slats to length, using wood thicker than the required thickness, and wider (About 1"more) on your table saw.

   When all the blanks are cut rectangularly (in cross section) then with the blade set on a slight (5deg) angle, rip one side of all the pieces standing upright and resting on fence with the blade set higher than the height needed , This will form a 1/2 wedge shaped kerf in the block, but not all the way through the material.

   After all the blanks are cut on this side, reverse each blank and using the same set up, rip the companion angled kerf to form a full wedge profile,

   After all blanks are notched this way, you can now rip the blanks to finished size and the wedges will fall out of the blanks .

   A little hand planing, radiousing and sanding and you're in business.
   Steinmetz.

   This can be done on a planer or jointer

1. 
   zapotegator | Oct 01, 2005 02:09am | #3

   Thanks, Steinmetz!  I bought some basswood today in faith that someone would know how to do this.  Success or failure, I'll report the results!

2. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 01, 2005 01:11am | #2

   I would think ya could buy them much cheeper!

   Dang... I made some though.. I used Ash.. Cuts nice and easy to Finish and whatever..

1. 
   zapotegator | Oct 01, 2005 02:11am | #4

   Cheaper, no doubt!  But the ones I buy will have someone else's imperfections gouged into them.  Much better to make my own gouges!

   Zapotegator

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Oct 01, 2005 04:31pm | #5

   There was an article, I think in FWW in the wayback days, maybe even B&W days that discussed making these slats. If memory serves the author used a jig to cut the round tenon on the ends (so they can pivot) and a sled to run the slats through a thickness planer to get the appropriate double taper.

   I was not able to find this on a search, but I think with a little thoought, the jigs should be straight-forward.