In my opinion if you are going to do it freehand, then skip the
template step and just free hand the blank. My whole reason for a
template is to use a trammel and\or other precise methods to form the
shape and it is easier and cleaner to hog it out from MDF. Then you
can free hand the blank down to very close to the actual finish shape
and use the template to guide a trim pass.

On Mar 29, 5:52*pm, Larry wrote:
Keith Nuttle wrote :





I have an oval picture for which I would like to make a
frame. I can draw the oval

As I see it there would be two parts in cutting the oval.
----- The oval cut that would eventually frame the picture.
----- The rabbet cut to hold the picture.

I have the following tools available to me:

1. Table saw (I have no idea how this could be used)
2. Standard size non plunge router with router table.
3. Dremmel with spiral cut bit and other router bits.
4. Jig saw.
5. Drill press with brad point and Forstner bits.

Can I get suggestions making the cutout for the picture.

Finishing the outside edges is obvious.

I'd get a piece of MDF to use for a template. After
deciphering Morris' instructions on how to draw an oval, cut
it out close with your jigsaw. Smooth it up with a drum sander
in your drill press. Cut the real material with the jigsaw as
close as you can to the correct shape. Using double-stick
tape, adhere the template to the real material. Then use a
flush trim router bit to copy the shape of your template. If
you can get this far the rabbet is the easy part.

Larry- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -