Louis Brandt
08-06-2006, 12:39 PM
Hello,
I need to create a couple of thin wooden panels to attach to the front of the breastplate of the fireplace surround that I’m building. I’ve checked with all of the craft stores in my area, and none of them sell what I’m looking for. I’ve included a rough drawing of what I’m trying to create. I intend to make them using 1/4 inch thick mahogany, and they will be about 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall. The four corners need to be cut out in curves, similar to what I’ve shown, although the curves may be less severe than in the drawing (it’s not to scale). After I’ve made them, I’ll attach them either with glue or small brads.
I would appreciate any comments that anyone has regarding the procedure that I have in mind to create them. It’s the only way that I can think of, but I welcome any comments as to a better way that anyone has in mind.
Obviously, cutting the rectangles for the panels isn’t my problem. I can do that on my RAS.
For the curves, I'm thinking of using a large forstner bit to cut each corner. I figure that a forstner bit will give me a cleaner cut that I could get with a hole saw mounted on a drill.
And I want all of the edges beveled, including the curves. My thinking is that I can do that best with a palm router and a chamfering bit. I’m guessing that a full-sized router might be overkill and even too heavy for such lightweight edges, especially the curves. I’d want the chamfer to be a full 45 degree chamfer, so that I’d bevel the entire edge of the piece.
Does anyone think that this would be the wrong approach? It may seem that I’m asking a very elementary question, but I’m still a woodworking novice, and I respect the opinions of you experienced woodworkers.
Note: You'll have to click on the thumbnail to see the panel well enough to tell what I'm talking about.
Louis
I need to create a couple of thin wooden panels to attach to the front of the breastplate of the fireplace surround that I’m building. I’ve checked with all of the craft stores in my area, and none of them sell what I’m looking for. I’ve included a rough drawing of what I’m trying to create. I intend to make them using 1/4 inch thick mahogany, and they will be about 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall. The four corners need to be cut out in curves, similar to what I’ve shown, although the curves may be less severe than in the drawing (it’s not to scale). After I’ve made them, I’ll attach them either with glue or small brads.
I would appreciate any comments that anyone has regarding the procedure that I have in mind to create them. It’s the only way that I can think of, but I welcome any comments as to a better way that anyone has in mind.
Obviously, cutting the rectangles for the panels isn’t my problem. I can do that on my RAS.
For the curves, I'm thinking of using a large forstner bit to cut each corner. I figure that a forstner bit will give me a cleaner cut that I could get with a hole saw mounted on a drill.
And I want all of the edges beveled, including the curves. My thinking is that I can do that best with a palm router and a chamfering bit. I’m guessing that a full-sized router might be overkill and even too heavy for such lightweight edges, especially the curves. I’d want the chamfer to be a full 45 degree chamfer, so that I’d bevel the entire edge of the piece.
Does anyone think that this would be the wrong approach? It may seem that I’m asking a very elementary question, but I’m still a woodworking novice, and I respect the opinions of you experienced woodworkers.
Note: You'll have to click on the thumbnail to see the panel well enough to tell what I'm talking about.
Louis