Big Pine Board Suggestions---First steps--Roughing it out
Hello again all,
After thinking about and looking at the suggestions provided, I decided to take a piece of one suggestion and run with it. I am going to take this 8' board and turn it into a couch table-kinda. Ulimately this will end up being four separate tables linked together by puzzle piece cutouts. If you want one table about 24 inches square, you only use one part of the table. If you need a longer table (maybe for serving at a party) you can piece together up to all four of them for one long table. This will become a little clearer as I proceed.
I measured out the individual portions of the table and marked them. Since I am using the whole thing as one unit, I had to select the best rectangle available. I will end up trimming a little bit off of each end to square things up and even out the pieces.
I decided to go with a flowing edge on the front so trimmed the front with my jig saw. The blade barely made it through and there were portions I had to do by hand since the blade couldn't make it. Once I had the basic curves cut I mounted the whole piece on edge by using my Workmate lying on its side. I then took the belt sander with a 40 grit belt and started shaping the edge. I still have a bit to do but the pictures I will post will give you the idea of what I am working towards.
The only thing I am worrying about is what tool to use to actually cut the board into four pieces? My band saw is nowhere near large enough to accomodate this size of board. My jigsaw is not accurate enough. I was thinking about using my fixed base router to work a progressively deeper channel in the shape I want. I would then use the jig saw to finish off the cut. Then I would sand the edges like crazy. Any suggestions on this part would be greatly appreciated.
I'll get the pictures posted and keep everyone up to date on my progress.
Hello again all,
After thinking about and looking at the suggestions provided, I decided to take a piece of one suggestion and run with it. I am going to take this 8' board and turn it into a couch table-kinda. Ulimately this will end up being four separate tables linked together by puzzle piece cutouts. If you want one table about 24 inches square, you only use one part of the table. If you need a longer table (maybe for serving at a party) you can piece together up to all four of them for one long table. This will become a little clearer as I proceed.
I measured out the individual portions of the table and marked them. Since I am using the whole thing as one unit, I had to select the best rectangle available. I will end up trimming a little bit off of each end to square things up and even out the pieces.
I decided to go with a flowing edge on the front so trimmed the front with my jig saw. The blade barely made it through and there were portions I had to do by hand since the blade couldn't make it. Once I had the basic curves cut I mounted the whole piece on edge by using my Workmate lying on its side. I then took the belt sander with a 40 grit belt and started shaping the edge. I still have a bit to do but the pictures I will post will give you the idea of what I am working towards.
The only thing I am worrying about is what tool to use to actually cut the board into four pieces? My band saw is nowhere near large enough to accomodate this size of board. My jigsaw is not accurate enough. I was thinking about using my fixed base router to work a progressively deeper channel in the shape I want. I would then use the jig saw to finish off the cut. Then I would sand the edges like crazy. Any suggestions on this part would be greatly appreciated.
I'll get the pictures posted and keep everyone up to date on my progress.