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Tips & Techniques

Quick template for cutting curves in panels

Issue 198

Cutting large curves or compound curves with a high degree of accuracy can be time-consuming. The task typically involves first creating a template that will guide either a jigsaw or a router. As the drawing shows, I discovered an easy way to skip the template part with a length of the plastic edging that is used by landscapers to corral paving stones for walks and driveways. I simply secure the edging with enough screws to retain the profile I need. I prefer to screw the edging to the underside of the workpiece, as shown in the drawing.

Mike Gunderson, Yakima, WA

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #198

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