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[email protected] (Michael Rodriguez)

05/01/2004 11:21 AM

Trimming the edges of a square table top

Greetings,

I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
Any ideas?

Thank you.


This topic has 6 replies

pR

[email protected] (Routerman P. Warner)

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 7:37 PM

Trimmers like these at the http://www.patwarner.com/patternbits.html
link will waste that top in stages. If the straight templet is arrow
straight without defects, the edge (table) will be laser straight.
***************************************************************************
> Greetings,
>
> I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
> My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
> and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
> possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
> I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
> handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
> Any ideas?
>
> Thank you.

tb

terry boivin

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 6:58 PM

On 5 Jan 2004 11:21:38 -0800, [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez)
wrote:

>Greetings,
>
> I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
>My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
>and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
>possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
> I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
>handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
> Any ideas?
>
>Thank you.

Hello MR,

As long as the two "Long Grain"surfaces are parallel any of
the router techniques previously posted will work. Please keep in
mind that walnut is a hardwood and based on your router's
HP...(horsepower) and the sharpness of your router bit you should be
advised to take it slow and easy. There are a couple reasons for
this...

#1: SAFETY

#2: Edge Burning

With a less than ulitmate setup you may find yourself
sanding/filing endgrain for hours. A newish bit and a good router
will give your the professional result. Best to use a router table
set up with the joiner fence as described previously. You will spend
a bit more time during setup but will be really happy with the
results.

Eat a Tree...We all need fiber...


TJB

BA

Bay Area Dave

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 8:11 PM

Get a 1"+ trimming bit and go for it with a router and straightedge.

dave

Michael Rodriguez wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
> My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
> and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
> possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
> I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
> handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
> Any ideas?
>
> Thank you.

BS

"Bob S."

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 8:28 PM

If you have a router table with a fence, you can use it as a jointer to
joint one edge straight and perpendicular. That becomes the reference for
doing the adjacent edge, etc. When doing the adjacent edge, you would use a
straight edge clamped to the top and then the router base follows that to
route a straight edge on that side. Repeat for the other two sides.
Requires careful setup to insure that your next edge is exactly 90 deg from
the reference edge but certainly do-able with a bit of patience and a
accurate means of insure 90 deg (like a Starett Try Square or similar).

Bob S.

"Michael Rodriguez" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Greetings,
>
> I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
> My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
> and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
> possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
> I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
> handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
> Any ideas?
>
> Thank you.

cC

[email protected] (Charles Krug)

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 7:35 PM

On 5 Jan 2004 11:21:38 -0800, Michael Rodriguez <[email protected]> wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I have a table top(unfinished)of solid walnut, 26 by 1 inch thick.
> My table saw can only cut up to 24 inches. These are glued up boards
> and are rough at the side. I'd like to make the edges as smooth as
> possible so that the end caps will match perfectly.
> I have the usual assortment of tools (radial arm saw, router -
> handheld and table mounted, power hand planner and sander.
> Any ideas?
>

For SWMBO's Christmas present, I rough cut with a sabre saw, then used a
router and a straight edge for the finished edge.

DD

DJ Delorie

in reply to [email protected] (Michael Rodriguez) on 05/01/2004 11:21 AM

05/01/2004 3:23 PM


I have a 1/2 x 2" straight bit I use for just such occasions.


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