Yin Yang centerpiece / serving boards #3: flush trim success

I set out today to use the spare glue ups to try and address as many of the four issues identified in the last post. Because I was starting with the glue ups I already had, I could not address the grain orientation issue, but i could try to address the other three issues: the router bit, the prioritization of lines to flush trim approach, and the direction of cut.

The bit:

This is the Whiteside UDC9112 compression flush trim bit. I kept the “bite size” about the same to be conservative regarding how much material was removed with each pass. I did have to hold it back. I found that this bit moved through the hardwood (even at 3/4” thick) much easier than the straight bit I was using before.

Direction and prioritization:
I wanted to make sure I was able to use the bit on the shared line down the middle of the work because those were the ones that had to fit together well. I also made sure the rotation of the bit was cutting toward the large part of the pieces. I thought long about using the spindle sander, but I was really curious about this new bit, both for this and future projects, I went with the new bit. I got through the high priority parts of the work with the router and felt fortunate, so I moved to the belt sander to shape the outside of the pieces where the curve was smooth, continuous, and convex. I wish I had taken a picture at this point, but I did not. :-(

My next step, was to take off the templates, and use the quarter round bit to round over the edges. I did get a picture at that point:

Next up is sanding and finish…

-- Bill - in New Hampshire