How to Cut Scallops in Wood

Use a plastic French-curve template to create your scallops.

Wood can be cut into scallops for aesthetic purposes. Scallops are decorative dips that connect to each other in a pattern to create a flowing, pleasant edge. Scallops can be used on wood valances that span between cabinets over sinks, on china cabinets, credenzas or anywhere you wish a decorative edge to be applied. Scallops can be drawn on wood freehand, but it's best to start out with a thin-plastic French-curve template that can be purchased at any home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• French-curve template
• Wood, 3/4 by 6 inches, 6 feet long
• Pencil
• Band saw
• 100-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Lay the French-curve template on the edge of the wood so that the edge of the template is extending out past the edge of the wood by 3/4 inch.

2. Trace the edge of the French curve on the wood with a pencil. Slide the template down the wood and connect the end of the previous line to the edge of the template.

3. Trace the template again. Continue moving the template down the wood, connecting the line to form a continuous line of French curves. The points where the French curves come together are the scallops.

4. Cut along the lines with a band saw.

5. Sand the scallops by hand with 100-grit sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• The measurements here are for examples. You can cut deeper scallops or very delicate scallops on any size wood you desire. You can use the plastic jig to create different designs with fewer or more scallops. Use your imagination. Try to balance your scallops if possible. It's best if you can have 1 scallop centered on the wood.

• Always wear safety glasses when working with wood.