Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 06, 2009 07:28am | #1

   Steve,

   I'm not quite sure what a "cedar chest top" is. Is it a coopered top?

   Chris @ www.flairwoodworks.com
   and www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   steve112 | Dec 06, 2009 03:48pm | #2

   This top is flat, about 3 to 4 inches in height, and hinged all across the back.  I would like to have a large radius on the front and back edges of the top and possible on the ends also.   I was wondering what type of construction technique and size of material would be used to glue up the top  prior to putting the radius on the edge.

1. 
   boilerbay | Dec 06, 2009 05:14pm | #3

   Steve,
   Not quite sure what your after. If it's solid, 3-4" thick, run flat edges on a shaper, or run it on a router with a 1 1/2 roundover bit and flip - would give you 3". If it's a build up and you just want a roundover look You might consider cutting 3-4' strips off of the ends, use large part of a crown moulding bit for curve, then cut edge long edge at 45 and top plank at 45, ends of strip at 45 miter and install. The wood on front and back would look like one solid piece . Big caution with this last - most people leave to back off and use sliding tails on the side as wood movement would break seperate the miters or buckle the wood plank.

   For me, if a solid plank, I would probably do it with planes, rasps and scrapers and forget the rest. Maybe a hand circ saw on angle with a guide to do initial bulk knock off of edges. If it was just a short length you could probably do the knock offs on a TS with tall fence.
   Just some thoughtsBoiler

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 06, 2009 08:46pm | #4

   Steve,I understand now. I would glue up material wide enough for the top and at the front and back, start building the curve in the glue-up phase by adding a board with edges beveled at 45-degrees, followed by a vertical board. If you use joinery, make sure that it won't be exposed when shaping the radius. For then ends, I think the best way would be to build up the thickness of the top at the edges. You could glue in a piece on edge, but I would be inclined to glue in strips with the end grain facing outwards for consistency.Finally, round over the edges with planes, rasps, sandpaper, etc.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodworks.com and http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer