Replies

1. 
   rob.kelly | May 15, 2001 07:01pm | #2

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   Scott, when I need an absolute straightness match, I put the pieces face to face and joint them together. Another way is to clamp the pieces with a 7/16" gap between them and, using a straightedge, run down the slot with a 1/2" router bit.

1. 
   scott_murray | May 16, 2001 01:23am | #3

   *Scott,Sorry, but I just can't resist a set up like this."I can't cut a straight line to say my life! Am building a 4' diameter round table..." It will have to be one or the other. You can't have both. :)the rev

1. 
   Dave_Arbuckle | May 14, 2001 02:18am | #1

   *Seems like a good choice, huh Rev? ;-)Scott, I usually can get a durned good match using your router and straightedge trick. For a pretty straight edge of that length, I go for the factory edge of a sheet of plywood or MDF, the 2x4 pieces precut at Home Depot have one factory 4'. Eyeball 'em at the store and pick the straighest one.Then, at worst a little sandpaper lightly applied should fix you right up.Dave

1. 
   Major_H._Patterson | May 18, 2001 12:11pm | #4

   *Scott:Since you Are you building this table with a slide to accept added leaves and the joint to which you refer is the joint between the leaves, I would not worry too much about a 1/32" gap. PAT

1. 
   David_A._Brown | Jun 11, 2001 01:58am | #5

   *I take it you don't have a jointer.You knew the maple guide board you used had a bow in it. You knew the angle iron jig had a bow in it. Yet you used both. Keep looking for something straight, you can use, and don't stop until you find it!Alternatively, if either of your guides has parallel sides, simply use the opposite side of the guide to trim opposite edges of your joint. Do the left with the bow in, and the right with the bow out. Keep track of mating edges, and do the same with all your leaves.BTW, it's very easy to tell if an edge is straight.... sight straight down it. Even very slight curves are easy to spot. The human eye is amazing, when applied properly.Dave