AF

Aaron Fude

17/12/2007 12:06 AM

How to carve out a slot?

Hi,

Suppose I want to embed 12x12 square tiles in an existing solid top
table by carving out shallow niches for them. What's a good way of
doing that? I'm terrible with a chisel, by the way.

I figure something like a CNC machine would do the job (except for the
corners), but I don't have access to one. Can you make other
suggestions?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Aaron Fude


This topic has 3 replies

Cc

"Charley"

in reply to Aaron Fude on 17/12/2007 12:06 AM

17/12/2007 9:52 AM

An easy 5 step process:

1. Make a frame template with a 12X12 hole in it to place over the location
where you want to cut the hole for the tile. The tile should fit in the hole
in this template.
2. Make a large router base for your router that will span the 12X12
template and mount it on your router.
3. Use a top bearing style pattern or mortising bit to make the cut.
Carefully remove all of the wood to the depth of the tile thickness.
4. Use a chisel to square the corners.
5. The niche is complete. Install the tile with appropriate adhesive.

No need for CNC

Charley

"Aaron Fude" <aaronfude@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:227cab75-fd1f-4452-9eb8-904b997273ef@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> Suppose I want to embed 12x12 square tiles in an existing solid top
> table by carving out shallow niches for them. What's a good way of
> doing that? I'm terrible with a chisel, by the way.
>
> I figure something like a CNC machine would do the job (except for the
> corners), but I don't have access to one. Can you make other
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude

Pm

"Phantom"

in reply to Aaron Fude on 17/12/2007 12:06 AM

17/12/2007 7:12 PM

Don't forget, the wood top will move, but the tile will not. Unless you
leave plenty of clearance around the tile, you run the risk of either it (or
the wood top) breaking with expansion/contraction


"Aaron Fude" <aaronfude@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:227cab75-fd1f-4452-9eb8-904b997273ef@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> Suppose I want to embed 12x12 square tiles in an existing solid top
> table by carving out shallow niches for them. What's a good way of
> doing that? I'm terrible with a chisel, by the way.
>
> I figure something like a CNC machine would do the job (except for the
> corners), but I don't have access to one. Can you make other
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude

Pp

Puckdropper

in reply to Aaron Fude on 17/12/2007 12:06 AM

17/12/2007 8:24 AM

Aaron Fude <aaronfude@gmail.com> wrote in news:227cab75-fd1f-4452-9eb8-
904b997273ef@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

> Hi,
>
> Suppose I want to embed 12x12 square tiles in an existing solid top
> table by carving out shallow niches for them. What's a good way of
> doing that? I'm terrible with a chisel, by the way.
>
> I figure something like a CNC machine would do the job (except for the
> corners), but I don't have access to one. Can you make other
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude

A router with a straight bit (no bearing, unless it's at the top so it
won't affect your cut) is the right tool for this job. You'd simply
fence off your outsides (so you don't cut too far) and then carve out the
inside. When you're done, chisel your corners square. (This should not
be beyond your chisel skills.)

An alternative would be a hand plane, but unless you've got a good one
I'd just go with the router.

Puckdropper

--
Wise is the man who attempts to answer his question before asking it.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm


You’ve reached the end of replies