router cutting ovals

[technical123]

I have been searching for a router attachment to cut ovals. Have looked at a few co's attachments and a couple of plans on the web. My problem however is that the ovals I need do not have a big enough difference between the length and width. I am looking at making oval wood frames, various sizes but for example

- 42"long by 38" wide or 48" long by 44" wide. The prof attachments all seem to have differences like 14" rather than

4". Any ideas please. Thanks very much

[Ron Magen]

'Tech',

Simple answer, if you have the time . . . initially.

A FULL SHEET of 1/4in Tempered Hardboard is about $10. You probably have some white, water-based primer on hand already. There are numerous web-sites, articles, and 'tips' to making/drawing ovals/eclipses with a pencil, a piece of string, and a couple of push-pins.

Use a roller, brush, rag, whatever to 'prime' the SMOOTH side of the hardboard {my preference is a short-nap roller}. Draw your ovals. Then carefully cut out/file/sand to finished size and use as a 'Positive' or 'Negative' template.

I use this technique to make 'Drawing' {1/8in material} and 'Routing' {1/4in material} templates. The water-based 'KILZ' primer yields a slightly matt surface that 'takes' pencil well, and allows clean erasures. Typically I will 'treat' the edges of the 'Router' templates with epoxy to give a harder, longer wearing, edge,

Regards & Good Luck, Ron Magen Backyard Boatshop

[CW]

Woodhaven makes one that will do what you want. Spendy at about $170.00. If you want to build something yourself, there are lots of plans around easily modified to any differential you want.

[CW]

[technical123]

Thanks for the links Will look into them

CW wrote:

[George Max]

Fine Woodworking has a story entitled "Drawing Big Curves" in issue #175 (February 2005) that contains information on page 78 regarding the construction of an ellipse jig.