Post #609832 by Swanky on Tue, Oct 11, 2011 1:11 PM

Furball, it is not as hard as you imagine. A little bi tof practice to start and then just rip it. For the straight line trim I used a large V bit and for the swirls a large round bit. The first line sets the piece. Once you hit it, you follow it with the next and so not. Only problems were when I hit a knot is would want to get out of line.

If it isn't too basic, I also did not use a plunge base. Set your depth and roll the router down at the edges into the cut and back up on the other end. Remove the stuff that will keep you from seeing the wood and bit and wear safety glasses for sure. Clamps!

Once you get going, it just rolls right out. Was easy. There are lots of ways to go with it.

Torching will make sanding un-needed, although you will need to clean it up afterwards to get rid of ash. A tire brush first to remove most and then old towels and maybe a tack-cloth at the end or some other way to get the remaining charcoal dust gone.

It take more time and trouble to design it and lay it out than to do the routing.