Sep. 29, 09 - 02:52PM
I am making a raised panel valance over the kitchen sink to match the arch in my store bought cabinets. I need to make an arch to roughly match the existing on on the cabinet doors. Is there an easy way to draw this out on a piece of hardboard and then use a router with a flush trim bit to cut the oak to size? What is the best way to get the right size of arch and maintain an equal distance through the arch of 2" width over a 76" piece?
Submitted: Twstack1
Oct. 06, 09 - 10:58AM
I once made a headboard that posed a similar problem. It was made up of five raised panels, each panel making up part of a large arch on the headboard.
Form the shape of your arch by ripping a thin strip from a piece of straight grained hardwood and bending it to the shape of arch you need. It's important to use a straight grained piece so it bends uniformly and creates a fair curve for the arch. You may need another pair of hands to help bow the strip while it's being traced.
Yes, you can draw the arch on hardboard, then use the hardboard as a template to cut and flush trim the wood pieces. Once you have one line drawn measure from the original and mark a series of dots the correct distance from the first line, 2-in. in your case. Then strike a second line.
The key to success with this process is accurately making the template. Any high or low spots will telegraph in to your final piece.
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