Refinishing old table - best method to redo table edge?

[CrazyAtlantaGuy]

I am currently refinishing an old dining room table. This is the first project like this that I have attempted. At this point I have sanded down the top surface, removing all the old polyurethane and the original stain. After working my way through sandpaper of varying grits, the oak is very smooth and the table looks amazing.

I have left the edge till last, because I'm just not sure what to do with it. I have my router, though this is the first time I've had a project that requires I use it independent of my router table. I'm worried I might screw things up, so I could use some advice. I need to somehow remove, or at least trim down the table's current rounded edge, so that I can re-route it with a clean, new edge. Is there a good way to do this? Is this the right approach?

Any advice on how to finish up this project would be most appreciated. I've really enjoyed working on it so far and am optimistic it's going to turn out just great. Figuring out how to re- route the edge is making me nervous though.

Thanks!

[Leuf]

If you want to change the edge profile, then sure. But if you like it as it is then you can just sand it down. You can use blocks of wood and pieces of dowel to wrap the paper around to match parts of the profile. Or you can buy nifty rubber pieces for this purpose, such as:

there is end grain and it was a dark stain on it originally, and you want a light finish it can be difficult to get rid of it all. But it's a lot safer than trying to put a new edge on it.

-Leuf

[Tyke]

I second the hand sanding method. If the edge is generally in good condition it will be lowest overall time.

If you want to change the edge style or wood, then you can route. You will need to clamp a guide board across the table length, then width. If the corner is rounded, you may have to attempt to make a plywood/hardboard template. Be careful of the radius calculation - it will be a bit of trail and error. The edge of the router bit will be a few inches from the template, which needs to be factored into determining the radius of the template.

Dave Paine.