Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 09, 2003 08:25pm | #1

   This isn't quite what you asked for, but Microfence (http://www.microfence.com) makes a router-based jig for cutting ellipses.   T'ain't cheap, but...

   You can also make your own using the same principle.  Look around the web for plans, or in books about router jigs.   It'll be less money invested, but more time.

1. 
   limeyzen | Sep 10, 2003 01:51am | #2

   Jamie, thanks for the link and you're correct it aint cheap!  Since I'm only going to be doing two or thre over the next couple of years it's hard to justify the investment so I guess I'll do as you suggested and see if I can find plans for one.  If not it's back to basics, not a bad place to be!

2. 
   krumy1 | Sep 10, 2003 02:18am | #3

   There is an easier way than the string and nails method, much more accurate(at least for me) and it only uses straight stuff

   http://mywpages.comcast.net/krumy/ellipse/ellipse.html

   Also, it's not that difficult to go ahead and make your own ellipse jig. Here's a couple of ideas.

   http://mywebpages.comcast.net/krumy/oval_jig/ovaljigs.htm

   Steve

1. 
   sawduster | Sep 10, 2003 03:40am | #4

   Pick up the October issue of Popular woodworking (issue 136)and look on page 34. There are instructions for building a trammel jig from what appears to be MDF and hardwood scraps. While the Microfence is a quality product, this is much more cost effective.

1. 
   corners | Sep 10, 2003 05:03am | #5

   Most up to date custom picture framing shops now have computer controlled mat cutters. These cut boards up to 40" x 60". Take your dimensions to the framer and have an oval template cut.  Ask the framer to cut it out of "flawboard" which is quite cheap. Have them give you both pieces - the outside "mat" and the inside "fallout".

   I design many shapes for my woodworking in CAD and then cut templates on the computer mat cutter.

2. 
   limeyzen | Sep 11, 2003 03:48pm | #9

   Will do,

2. 
   limeyzen | Sep 11, 2003 03:47pm | #8

   Steve, thanks for that and I'll probably give it a try.  BTW, as I understand it there is a difference between an oval and an ellipse but I don't know what, do you?

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 11, 2003 06:52pm | #10

   Many people don't distinguish between an oval and an ellipse, but if you're being exact, there is a difference.   An ellipse has a specific mathematical definition.   The loop-of-string layout method makes a true ellipse, as does that router jig with two crossed sliders in the middle.  In contrast, "oval" just means a roundish figure that isn't circular.   

   Although the ellipse is easy to lay out, to my eye it looks too pointy at the ends when used as a table top.   I like to make oval tops that are kinda like ellipses with broader shoulders.

3. 
   bill_1010 | Sep 10, 2003 05:10am | #6

   you can always buy the microfence and use it and turn around and sell it.   However id bet youll find more uses for it over time....

4. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 10, 2003 07:57am | #7

   LIMEY, I once made a jig to make templates for Oval picture frames.

   It consisted of a flat board in which you rout out two running dovetail grooves that intersect at 90 degs. you also cut two tails to run (One in each groove.)

    A stick is tacked by pushpins to both tails centers.  When you position the jig at the center of a piece of paperboard,you use  one of a group of small holes spaced along the stick to insert a sharp pencil then rotate the pencil on a stick, and it'll describe a perfect ellipse Stein

5. 
   Joe_Fusco | Sep 12, 2003 12:49am | #11

   LIMEYZEN,

   You may find this jig useful.

   View Image
   
1. 
   limeyzen | Sep 13, 2003 01:19am | #12

   Joe, thanks for the reference etc.  I must confess that I am unable to understand how the jig is made/works from the photos you show.  At first blush it looks like it's meant to describe a half ellipse and then needs to be relocated.  Or am I all wet?  If you could more details would be appreciated.

6. 
   mahogany4x4 | Dec 22, 2004 12:53am | #13

   The manufacturer, MBK, went out of business in September, 2000.  I bought one of the jigs in 1997 and it works great.  I am trying to locate the owner of MBK because I need some parts.  He still lives on Hilton Head Island and I have written to him just this past week.   I am located in the Atlanta area and would be willing to let you borrow the jig if you are anywhere close by.  I have found that Mircofence makes one that looks pretty good. I corresponded with Pat Warner, a well know router expert, while trying to find out about MBK.  He said he had just tested the Mircofence jig and was very pleased with it.  Neither are/were cheap but if you cut a lot of circles and ellipses, it is probably worth your investment.  I use the Ellipse master often and am very pleased with it.  If I can't find the parts I need, I will probably buy the Microfence version.

   Let me know if I be be of help.

   Ed Shaver

1. 
   limeyzen | Dec 22, 2004 06:21am | #15

   Thank you.  FW had an article in the current issue that solves my problem!

2. 
   douglas2cats | Dec 22, 2004 02:49pm | #17

   I can't directly comment on MicroFence's ellipse jig, but if it's put together anywhere near as good as their circle cutting jig or edge guide, it will be worth the money. Even though the price was a little high, I've never been sorry I bought their system. They make excellent tools.

    

7. 
   KeithNewton | Dec 22, 2004 05:46am | #14

   Would you mind posting the size you would like to end up with. What kind of material are you going to use?
   I can talk you through how to make a single use one fairly easily if I know what you are after.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/21/2004 10:00 pm ET by rootburl

1. 
   limeyzen | Dec 22, 2004 06:22am | #16

   Thank you.  See my response to Ed re recent FWW article.