Things You'll Need
Paper
Pencil
Scissors
Tape measure
Lumber for oval
Band saw
Random orbit sander
Creating a perfect oval from a wood board can be tricky. Unlike a circle or square, there is no special tool for creating oval outlines that is simple to use, such as a geometric compass, or carpenter's square. Creating a paper template is the simplest way to get a perfect oval in the size you need. Once the oval outline is created a band saw is the best tool for cutting curves in solid wood.
Drawing the Oval
Step 1
Cut a rectangle the right length and width for your oval from butcher or art paper using scissors. Fold the paper in half the long way and the short way so that you see only one quarter of the rectangle. Use a pencil to draw a curve, starting at the top of the center fold going the long way and ending on the outside edge on the fold going the short way.
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Step 2
Cut along the curved line through all four thicknesses of your paper. Unfold the oval. Refold and trim as needed until you have an oval that is the shape you desire. Create a second template if needed to get the correct shape.
Step 3
Select a piece of lumber the thickness you want making sure it is wide and long enough to fit your template on when unfolded. Tape the template to the lumber with masking tape and trace around its outline with the pencil.
Cutting the Oval
Step 1
Set the lumber up onto the band saw table. Turn the thumb key on the guide block on your band saw blade counterclockwise to release it. Allow it to drop onto the lumber face. Raise it slightly for clearance and twist the key back clockwise to lock it in place.
Step 2
Start the saw and allow it to come up to speed. Push the lumber through the saw, steering the board slowly around the blade to follow the line you drew. Follow the outline around until the oval is completely cut.
Step 3
Sand the edge of the oval with a random orbit sander, starting with 80-grit sandpaper. Make a second pass with 120-grit sandpaper to do the final smoothing.
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