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Thread: Bevel a large tabletop

  1. #1
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    Bevel a large tabletop

    I saw a picture of a conference table that was probably 10' long, 5' wide and 1.5" thick. I imagine that would probably be about 200 lbs or more and very unwieldy to cut on say a table saw or even a sliding table saw. How would you do it? In the past I had a similar project where I used a power planer and a jig to so a shallow bevel but the table was much smaller and curved.

  2. #2
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    Not too long ago I posted a couple pics of a dining table with an undercut bevel. It was 42 x 108. I used a portaplane with an adjustable fence set to 22-1/2. Worked well.
    Steve Jenkins, McKinney, TX. 469 742-9694
    Always use the word "impossible" with extreme caution

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Tagge View Post
    I saw a picture of a conference table that was probably 10' long, 5' wide and 1.5" thick. I imagine that would probably be about 200 lbs or more and very unwieldy to cut on say a table saw or even a sliding table saw. How would you do it? In the past I had a similar project where I used a power planer and a jig to so a shallow bevel but the table was much smaller and curved.

    Assuming the edges are straight, a track saw such as a Festool TS 75 would do it.

    Vijay

  4. #4
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    In this new SCM video by Sam Blasco at just past the 7 minute mark, he shows a beveling technique for a counter top which certainly could be done on a large slider for a table like you ask about...

    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  5. #5
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    Would a large router work? You might have to take multiple passes.
    "The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)

  6. #6
    Circular saw with a straight edge jig would work as long as the sides are straight.

  7. #7
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    A sliding table panel saw does this easily. So does a portable circular saw, a portable power planer or a router mounted on an angled jig. The slider is the best for precision. All methods require a degree of sanding afterwards. A hoist in the workshop helps a lot with this. Cheers
    Every construction obeys the laws of physics. Whether we like or understand the result is of no interest to the universe.

  8. #8
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    I considered using my slider to do the bevel but I thought that a 45 didn’t look good. With the portaplaner I was able get the 22-1/2 that I think looks much better. Personal preference. I could have used my shaper if I had more room around it although working with a 9 foot long nearly 200 pound top creates its own challenges.
    Last edited by Steve Jenkins; 12-11-2018 at 7:39 PM.
    Steve Jenkins, McKinney, TX. 469 742-9694
    Always use the word "impossible" with extreme caution

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Jenkins View Post
    I considered using my slider to do the bevel but I thought that a 45 didn’t look good. With the portaplaner I was able get the 22-1/2 that I think looks much better. Personal preference. I could have used my shaper if I had more room around it although working with a 9 foot long nearly 200 pound top creates its own challenges.
    Why would a slider not do 22.5 degrees or any other angle for that matter. Is it just too small a blade.? I suppose a big radial arm saw might do it.

  10. #10
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    The blade tilts about 46 degrees measured from vertical. I wanted 22-1/2 from horizontal which is 67-1/2 from vertical. Can’t think of any saw that will tilt that far.
    Steve Jenkins, McKinney, TX. 469 742-9694
    Always use the word "impossible" with extreme caution

  11. #11
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    Clamp a 4x4 to the top and run the saw on its side? Sounds like a slip up waiting to happen with gravity working against a straight line.

  12. #12
    I make tables like that... Some are 3" thick. I do my cutting with my saw mill and plane with a homemade router plane.

  13. #13
    Check the round table video by Timothy Wilmots. He uses a slanted router jig and a planer bit that worked quite well.

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