Replies

1. 
   ring | Jun 06, 2007 07:44am | #1

   There's always more than one way to skin a cat, but here's 1 suggestion:

   Make the whole board up to it's completed size without the serpentine insert. Use a serpentine template and router with guide bushing and straight bit to sever the 2 parts according to the design. Make the contrasting filler piece by using multiple layers of veneer, as much as needed to replace the width of the router bit. Dry run that they will collectively take the bend that is required, and glue it all up at once with lots of clamp pressure.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

2. 
   oldusty | Jun 06, 2007 07:45am | #2

   Hi geppetto ,

              I know a guy who makes a product similar to what you have described with a curved joining and color variation in the pieces .

             His was door frames and picture frames

               He developed a template system to create the matching joints with ease . He did use routers , not necessarily a router table.

              good  luck           dusty

1. 
   geppetto425 | Jun 06, 2007 08:22am | #3

   I found the answer, I knew I had filed an article away somewhere. It was in the December 1999 American Woodworker, pg 6:Use a jig saw to cut first board, trace this onto second board then make a template and smooth curves with drum sander, (This only works with smooth, flowing curves, nothing too abrupt.) Clamp rough cut boards and template on a clamping jig. Using a 1/2 inch downcut spiral bit with a 5/8 inch guide bushing follow the template making sure you only take 1/16-in off of each edge. Each edge will be an exact mirror copy and make a perfect glue joint. You will have to make two templates for my application. This works great for joining two rough planks with natural bark edges and a natural crook.

2. 
   daverichards | Jun 06, 2007 04:48pm | #4

   I haven't tried it but I've wondered about doing this sort of thing using one of those template bushing sets that are typically sold for routing inlays. You couldn't cut to the full depth of the cutting board with that slkinny little bit but you could cut enough so that a bearing guided bit could finish it up.