route reed or fluted profile

[Calvin Salline]

planning to route a reed or flute on a la​rge radius. would one style be easier than the other to hold a consistent groove in oak on a 61/2 foot radius?

[Lee Schierer]

I routed a v-groove on a large radius on the queen size headboard I made for my daughter.
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I can tell you from experience you want to start shallow and make several passes. Don't stop moving at any time or the groove will burn. Make the final pass a light cut, again keep the bit moving as long as it is in contact with the wood.

[Ronald Blue]

Just curious what you are working on that is that large?

[Mel Fulks]

The flute would be the easiest overall. If you want a reed you have to apply it. Flute can be cut down into existing
surface.

[Calvin Salline]

something that sit on a fireplace mantel against the wall

[Calvin Salline]

what was your setup to get a consistent smooth arc?

[Lee Schierer]

what was your setup to get a consistent smooth arc?


It has been a lot of years since I made this piece. I know I marked the curve for the top using a trammel mounted to my work table. I'm pretty sure I used the same trammel setup to mount the router to cut the groove. However, I may have cut the curved top first, then used my edge guide to follow the curved top. I know I used my edge guide for the groove along the straight bottom.