Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Apr 03, 2006 08:17am | #1

   Instead of trying to transfer from a paper pattern, do the drawing directly on the template material. Another option is to use some spray adhesive and stick the pattern to the material you want to cut.

   I'm not sure what you mean by routing out arches. I'm guessing you want to use a template to guide the router, but I don't know if you are cutting through. If you have a band saw, you can make a simple circle cutting jig. This will give you the ability to make repetitive cuts in different sizes. This can be used to cut templates or the work itself. You can also use a router on a trammel as well as a jig saw. The issue with these is lining up the work and holding it securely. Jig saw blades have a tendency to wander off 90°. I have a picture of a modified circle cutting jig I used for some larger arches, ellipses are a different story.

   There's nothing wrong with cutting the template by hand and then working out any mistakes. It just takes patience and a careful touch. I wouldn't use acrylic for a template, 3/8" MDF is easy to cut, inexpensive and stable.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

   
1. 
   jerryport | Apr 04, 2006 02:30am | #2

   Thanks for taking the time to write.  I can print out arches on my computer, but I need a template for the router to follow.  They're not circular (wish they were) and I need to be able to make several arches the same.  I guess you can call them half-ovals.

    

1. 
   Steinmetz | Apr 04, 2006 04:42am | #3

   Theres a jig to make ovals. I made a few, but they were small HOWEVER, there's no reason for not making a larger one suitable to attach to a routerBasically, it's a square board with two intersecting dovetails. The grooves are at right angles to each other. The sliding male dove tail./.tails? (here's where my memory fails me) are/is attached to a second plate .and are captured by the previously mentinned grooves.. When assembled, and rotated ,it describes a perfect oval. An 'outrigger' of sorts serves as an extension which has several drilled holes to receive pivot pins (Nails)Google up oval router jig, or, oval making device etc etc.
   Perhaps another (wiser) knot head can better describe the jig?
   SteinmetzThis jig attaches directly to the router base and there's no need
   for a template
   Once it is adjusted, (Use scrap material first) and properly indicated, for the several arcs required, it can be clamped to the work pieces and can make repetitive arcs.Steinmetz.

   Edited 4/3/2006 9:49 pm ET by Steinmetz

2. 
   Steinmetz | Apr 04, 2006 04:51am | #5

   jerr, attached is a plan to make a jig such as i described. Steinmetz

   
1. 
   jerryport | Apr 04, 2006 05:51am | #6

   Thanks for the info on the oval jig.  I knew someone out there had this figured out.  And thanks for the web site to Highland.

2. 
   JeffHeath | Apr 04, 2006 04:49am | #4

   jerryport

   I use arches in all of my wall units and cabinet jobs.  I make the arches out of 1/2" mdf, which is very easy to sand to a a line.  Once you've created your arch on the mdf, cut it out with your bandsaw or jigsaw close to the line, and then, with a sanding block and 120 grit sandpaper, sand the arch until half your pencil line is gone.  I assure you, that's close enough.  Then, double stick tape your new mdf template to your stock, bandsaw/jigsaw to with 1/8" of so of the template.  I use a flush trim bit in my router table, and it is very easy to duplicate over and over and over again.  After a while, your walls in your shop will have these patterns hanging all over them.

   Jeff

   
1. 
   jerryport | Apr 04, 2006 06:05am | #7

   Jeff,

   Thanks for the response.  I'll probably try your method and if it gets too bumpy and I get too frustrated then I'll make the oval jig.  I've attached a picture of the cabinet door I'm making.  It looks like a semicircle, but my doors will require more of an arch.

   http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=truespectraProcessor&catalogid=M031470&prodname=042799333747

2. 
   Buzzsaw | Apr 04, 2006 07:51pm | #8

   Jeff,

     How do you attach to your shelf?  Biscuits?Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   JeffHeath | Apr 05, 2006 03:57am | #9

   If you you are asking about the front shelf moulding, I use glue and pocket screws from underneath, and plug them with doll rod, flushed off.  It's much stronger than biscuits.

   Jeff

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Apr 05, 2006 02:07pm | #10

   Pardon my ignorance but what is doll rod?Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   charlesm | Apr 05, 2006 06:24pm | #11

   I think he meant dowel rod.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

2. 
   Buzzsaw | Apr 05, 2006 06:27pm | #12

   OK. Thanks. I was thinking he meant a dowel but thought I didn't know an obvious woodworking term.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

3. 
   JeffHeath | Apr 06, 2006 02:08am | #13

   NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

   Pardon my ignorance after being tired.  It's dowel rod, not doll rod.  LOL!

   What a dope I can be some time.

   Jeff

4. 
   Buzzsaw | Apr 06, 2006 02:18pm | #14

   no problem.  i just thought i didn't know the term.  i do know what a dowel rod is though. :-)Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie