NEW! Faster Search Option

Cutting out an ellipse with a router...

Cutting out an ellipse with a router... (post #126564)

Buzzsaw on Thu, 02/02/2006 - 15:16

Ask the Experts Archive

I want to build an oval coffee table, which is essentially an ellipse when it comes to geometric shapes. I have recently used a circle jig for cutting out a circular table top and I loved the way I was able to cut out a perfect circle rather than trying to cut it out using a bandsaw or a jigsaw for that matter. My question is, is there a jig that I can use with a router that will allow me to cut out an ellipse given that I know the semi-major axis and semi-minor axes? I have searched the archives and haven't found anything yet. ANy help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Buzzsaw

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

(post #126564, reply #1 of 6)

by Samson in reply to Buzzsaw [original] on Thu, 02/02/2006 - 15:46

You could make yourself something like this:

http://www.trendmachinery.co.uk/ellipsejigs/#ellipse

For marking one out, two brads and a loop of string will do it. Maybe a variation of this will give you an idea for a router jig. Draw the x and y axis lines; tap two brads an equal distance from the center on the long diameter; make a loop of string long enough so that when circling both brads and pulled tight with your pencil, the pencil touches one of teh farthest two points from the center; move the pencil and the string will make it draw an elipse - the shape of the ellipse will be dictated by the placement of the brads (the farther apart, the narrower, and the closer, the rounder).

(post #126564, reply #2 of 6)

by Buzzsaw in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 02/02/2006 - 16:07

Thank you. I will check out this link...

Regards,

Buzzsaw

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

Link update (post #126564, reply #6 of 6)

by gtaniwaki in reply to Anonymous [original] on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 19:30

The link in comment by @Samson no longer works. The new link, which shows the jig in action, is http://www.trend-uk.com/en/US/product/U*ELLIPSEJ_A/3/16/_ellipse_jig_type_a.html

(post #126564, reply #3 of 6)

by furnituremaker in reply to Buzzsaw [original] on Thu, 02/16/2006 - 04:08

Hi Buzzsaw,

(post #126564, reply #4 of 6)

by furnituremaker in reply to Buzzsaw [original] on Thu, 02/16/2006 - 04:29

Hi Buzzsaw,
You might also take a look at - "The Victorian Cabinet-Maker's Assistant" page lii (roman numerals) - available as a Dover reprint edition
In the section labeled "second method " is described a method for drawing an ellipse with an apparatus working on the same principle as the router jig Samson refers to (the web link).
The operation is described in detail and may be of assistance in designing and using a router ellipse jig.

Darrell

(post #126564, reply #5 of 6)

by Buzzsaw in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 02/16/2006 - 05:26

Thanks for the info. I will check it out...

Regards,

Buzzsaw

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie