Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Complementary Routed Curves?
Tom Norton
Years ago when I did a bit of solid surface countertops I created perfect joints by using 1 template and routed both pieces at the same time. They were spaced apart just a bit less than the router bit diameter. I used a router mounted bushing.
Any reason this would not work with curves? I see the idea of 2 templates but thought this might be another way.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Re: Complementary Routed Curves?
Ralph Lipeles
I don't think it would work. Lets say you were routing a circle radius. The outer routed edge is larger then the inner routed edge. For the 2 pieces to fit together properly both radii must be exactly the same.
Won't work
John in NM
The radii are different by the diameter of the bit + bushing offset.
you will need two templates
Ian Neuhaus
one for the "inside" curve, the other for the "outside" curve
Re: Won't work
Tom Norton
If it worked when I did straight joints,and some had "bumps" and they "nested" together I guess I don't quite understand why it won't work with curved work.
Re: Won't work
Tom Norton
Also I just remembered that on some of the countertop I did a outside radius corner with a different color edge and both the countertop and the edge were done as I described and the fit perfectly.
Ok
John in NM
If it worked for you in the past, you are either asking a different question than I tried to answer, or the arc was such a small part of the circle that the difference between them is not noticeable.
But if you want to learn the hard way, rout an arc of 20" radius in a piece of MDF and lay the drop piece up to the other. You'll find gaps at the edges as the two arcs diverge. In the center they will appear to mate well, as the radius gets bigger that section of arc with only a small error gets bigger as well.
Re: Ok
Tom Norton
I will give it a try! Maybe time and sawdust has clouded my memory!
Thanks for the advice!!
Re: you will need two templates
Bruce, a MN Galoot
Or two bushings that compensate for the difference.
Where is the Router Lady n ow that we need her?
Simple math Barry, guess we need the math lady
Re: Where is the Router Lady now that we need her?
Bruce, a MN Galoot
My brother-in-law runs a high-end cabinet shop, and uses a set of different diameter bushings that compensate for the diameter of the cutter to inlay solid inserts into solid surface countertops.
Carol Reed, the Router Lady, hangs out on the Family Woodworking forum.
Two bushings
Ellis Walentine
As Bruce said, two templates or two bushings. To make a complementary template, though, you'll still need to use two bushings. For example, for the first curve use a 1/4" bit in a 1" bushing, and for the other, use a 1/4" bit in a 1/2" bushing.
Ellis
Re: Complementary Routed Curves?
Tom Stockton
Tom
Woodwork magazine did an article a long time ago of the technique I use, Fine woodworking also did one their techniques is similar to what Ellis describes. I prefer the woodwork version it only requires a flush trim bit and a rabbet bit. I will look later in the day for the magazine.
Tom
Well I was wrong!!
Tom Norton
Almost made it through the year without being wrong!!!:)
Thanks for correcting me.
