how would you do this?

[Gary Hoemann]

I need to make some trivets, or holder for six cast iron "sizzle" plates.
I will need to cut a recess about 3/8" deep with a rounded edge to hold the plate. I assume I will need some kind of template, but I can't get my head around what to do. Any Help would be appreciated.

[Todd Burch]

I would make a template for a round router base plate to cut the outer diameter perimeter.

Then, I would switch over to an oversized router base plate and hog out the rest, allowing the oversized base plate to ride the outer perimeter of the workpiece.

Todd

[Chris Padilla]

http://www.woodstore.net/trivetpursuit.html and/or

http://www.woodstore.net/kitchentrivet.html

As I recall, they basically do as Todd suggested. :)

[Cody Colston]

Got a wood lathe? If not, then Todd had the solution.

[Joe Scharle]

Or; pin router, template & dishing bit.

[Robert Parrish]

Incra has a great pyramid trivet plan. I have made lots of them for gifts.

[Jerry Murray]

I would make a template for a round router base plate to cut the outer diameter perimeter.

Then, I would switch over to an oversized router base plate and hog out the rest, allowing the oversized base plate to ride the outer perimeter of the workpiece.

Todd

I would trace out the cast iron pan onto the board. Outline with the router and then hog out with a chisel and finish back with the router.