How is this cutting board handle possible? The only way I can think of is that it was done by hand with a gouge, but it looks too clean for that. Can an inset handle, such as the one pictured below, be done with power tools?
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I can imagine a skilled carver making this slot, even a very smooth slot, although it's most likely done with a router or a shaper. – Ast Pace May 01 '15 at 04:15
3 Answers
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Two ways spring to mind immediately.
One way would be with a router, a core box bit, and a jig.
The jig would clamp onto the end of the cutting board and provide a surface for the router to ride on. This would give you a true reproduction of the effect in the photo above. (In my drawing, the curve is exaggerated for effect.) Mount two blocks on your router base to make sure it can't move side to side, and have at it.
A second way would be to just have a plunge router and a core box bit.
Set up a jig to make a platform large enough for the router to ride on, then start at one end, plunge, move to the other end, and lift.
TX Turner
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Love the idea of the curve boards as a guide. The from the ops picture I would make the curve more parabolic (yes I know your picture was just an example). – Matt Apr 30 '15 at 14:01
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Yup, it's a small touch, but a nice one. You end up with a true oval rather than a rounded slot. – TX Turner Apr 30 '15 at 14:17
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You could use a router with a cove (ball nose) bit. This will create the sloped effect around the edges. Your cutting board would be clamped vertically and you would start in the center and move out to each side.
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3Is this specific picture necessary? Cant say I would make a handle with most of these bits. – Matt Apr 30 '15 at 16:03
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2I agree; it would be clearer if the answer just pictured the suggested bit and illustrated how to use it. Many of the bits pictured here are completely inappropriate--e.g., flush trim, stile & rail, glue joint. – rob Apr 30 '15 at 16:13
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All the cove bits I've ever seen (including the one pictured) have a bearing that makes plunging impossible. Perhaps you're thinking of a core box bit, which isn't pictured. – Caleb Apr 30 '15 at 17:56
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Based on the shape of the handle I don't think it is possible with a router bit, the tapering near the sides is too long – Jordan Bentley Apr 30 '15 at 18:32
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Although you could find a way to form that handle with a router, I'd guess that whoever made that board used a shaper with a cutter like this:
Caleb
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Based on the shape of the handle I don't think it is possible with a router bit, the tapering near the sides is too long – Jordan Bentley Apr 30 '15 at 18:31
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@JordanBentley Notice that the cutter above is for a shaper, not a router. – Caleb Apr 30 '15 at 19:13