atratinus Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 I would like to create these details on the dining table I am building. I have studied and feel comfortable making an angled jig and using my palm router to create them, but my issue is this: most articles I've read recommend a straight cutting bit; how then do I soften the interior of the indent? I can't see G&G leaving the indent sharp, so I had originally thought I should use a cove bit or the like. I hope this is all clear, and thanks for any suggestions. Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 You could use a core box bit to leave a slightly radiused cut around the edges. But if you don't use a flat bottomed bit for the center area the sanding is going to be time consuming! Make test cuts on scrap or cheaper softer wood before you cut into expensive stock or a leg that you have already cut and fitted into your project ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 I just looked it up in my Darrell Peart Greene & Greene book on Details for the Workshop. He uses a straight bit and he is quite an expert on the style. It's a great book on how to create the details ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Are you referring to this detail? If so, is the question of how to ease the edge of the sides? The bushing on the router would automatically round the bottom corners. Regarding the sides, the detail itself is less than 1/8" deep at the most. A few light brushes with sandpaper will ease the edge nicely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_in_SD Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Just ease the edges with 180 grit sandpaper. I took G&G detail class from Darrell and this is what we did. I've incorporated this detail in a number of my own pieces. Must softness in G&G is using sandpaper. Use your thumb and with the folded paper in front of your thumb, flap over the edges with your thumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atratinus Posted September 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Thanks for help, everyone. I knew someone here would have Peart's book handy! To clarify, my concern was with soften the inside corner of the indent, that is, where the "floor" of the indent meets the "walls." But if G&G didn't bother, I certainly won't. Thanks again. Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenMasco Posted September 20, 2014 Report Share Posted September 20, 2014 I also took Darrell's class and agree with Journeyman's post. I made a bed with the indent legs. Sandpaper wrapped around you finger works fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 20, 2014 Report Share Posted September 20, 2014 So funny, this just happened to come in the mail today! The adirondack chair guild build features this detail. Marc has a whole video dedicated to it. Good stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 If I understand what you are asking correctly I would try a dish cutter bit. It will cut a nice flat bottom and wall with a radius in the corner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atratinus Posted September 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Vinny, I knew that Marc had incorporated the detail in that build, but I haven't purchased it. I have found other instructions/videos online, all of which use a straight bit; I assume Marc used one as well. WoodButcher (nice handle), that bit is precisely what I was looking for. Now, though, I may just stick with the straight bit everyone else seems to have used, since I can't think of any other use I might have for a dish bit. Thanks again everyone, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Just to show you a close up, on darker wood, the shadow that's created by the detail itself really hides any hard corners inside of the bottom. Here's a slightly deeper one on lighter stock (pine). This one looks a bit 'sharper' in the corners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atratinus Posted September 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Wow, nice, thanks, Vinny. Those photos certainly seal the the deal for the straight bit. If you (or anyone else--not to drag out this thread unnecessarily) could offer your thoughts on the proportions generally employed with this detail, I would very much appreciate it. My table will have 2" square legs at 30" length; I'm thinking an indent 1 3/8" wide, around 5 1/2" long, and 1 3/4" from the bottom of the leg. Thanks, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Should look like a very nice G&G indent Ryan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Sounds pretty to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I think you should leave about 3/8 clear on either side of the indent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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