Best way to replicate this border effect please? Tools??

[bootcutboy]

Hi all

I would like to replicate the border below but as i am a complete beginner at DIY i would like some advice on what would be the best and most simple way to make the curved semi-circles at the top of the wood sections? I am guessing a jigsaw wuld be the easiest but i dont have one and i want to make sure it is all matching and looks great when complete so any advice would be fantastic. I have plenty of offcut bits of wood from some fencing and even have the thin rails sorted so its only really how to make the curves I need help with.

Thanks in advance peeps!

Untitled

• bootcutboy
• 4 Sep 2013
• 1

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[rjm2k]

It will be pretty hard to match, but I would have a go with a router, using the existing sample as a template for the guide, you could pretty much make the whole piece up then trim the top with the guide. A drillbit designed for cutting could also be an option as long as you can use a guide with it. I would expect a jigsaw wouldn't produce very good results but again if you can use a guide with one it may be worth a try.

 

[dann09]

1. You could use a coping saw, slow and tedious depending on the amount of material to shape.

2. As a complete beginning DIY'er stay away from routers.

3. A dirt cheap jig saw with scroll blades would do the job. Work very slow, the tool does the work.

 

[big-all]

a jigsaw is definatly the safest way but uniformity would be difficult with such a tight wave form
if you shallow out and increase the length off the waves say over 2 planks then it will be far easier
to use a router with a follower bit you would need to cut to within 5mm off the line with a jigsaw first

if you have never used a router forget this as your talking level 2 or3 in the "basic" router stakes

 

[gregers]

i was going to suggest a scroll saw,but now thinking the material may be a tad too thick?

 

[mattylad]

Make it with straight edges, use an existing one to make a cardboard template -turn that template over and then mark your newly made ones with a pencil.

Then clamp and use a jigsaw to get the rough shape - then use a sander (or the old way - sandpaper) to sooth it off.

Job done - its going in the garden - it does not have to be kitchen worktop joint quality.

 

[boxoftickytacky]

How about drawing the template of the curves with a plate or large jar, then carefully using a jigsaw cut out and fix together with battons..have some trial pieces first so you can practice if you are a newbie to power tools...If I can do it, anyone can.

 

[Nozzle]

Once you figure out a way to cut the arcs, you should be prepared that you can't make all the end look the same - so form them as best you can on a slightly oversived piece, then align all your cut end to look the best and trim off the other end to make all the bottoms level.

Nozzle