How to Cut Curves in Thick Wood Stock

You can use thick wood stock for extra decorative designs on table legs, banisters, fireplace mantles or braces of counters. While the finished product is beautiful, cutting thick wood into curves requires the right tools and a delicate touch.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Band saw
• Jigsaw
• Router
• Template

1. Use a band saw for cutting curves in thick wood stock. You can adjust a band saws to fit the contours of any thickness of wood. For banisters and table legs, a band saw works fine. Have your curve designs marked clearly with a carpenter's pencil before you begin to cut.

2. Use a jigsaw for some tasks. For example, when you cut an inside opening for a handle it may be difficult or impossible to use a band saw. A band saw blade may not go into the position you need. In this case, start with a jigsaw to cut curves in thick wood stock.

3. Take a jigsaw and use it to first cut out a template that can be used for your inside cut. Cut the template out of material that's much thinner than the thick wood stock you are working with. When you have a template cut, attach the template to the place on the thick wood stock that you need to curve.

4. Cut curves into thick wood stock with a router that you use on your template. Your router will need a straight-cutting bit and also a bearing-tip to cut curves. After you've made your template, use the jigsaw to cut away the excess stock of the thick wood. Cut close to your template. Make careful cuts slowly with your router. Pull away the pieces of excess stock a little at a time to reveal your curves.