Woodworking is a large and complex hobby that can be incredibly rewarding. There are many different techniques to learn, and it can take years to become an expert in the craft. One of the essential aspects of woodworking is learning how to properly round over the edges of your projects. In this article, we will teach you how to round over inside corners using a few simple steps. Keep reading for more information!
It is essential to understand the different types of rounding over that you can do before beginning this project. There are two main types of rounding over: inside and outside. Inside rounding is done on the interior of the project, while outside rounding is done on the exterior. Many woodworkers prefer to use outside rounding because it is generally easier and gives a cleaner look. However, inside rounding can be useful in certain situations.
Summary: There’s nothing quite as frustrating as trying to round over inside corners with a pencil or ruler. With a little practice, you’ll be able to do it easily and quickly! Here are four tips: 1. Draw a line around the outside of the corner. This will help you visualize where the roundover should start. 2. Use your pencil to draw a small circle at the spot where you want the roundover to start. 3. Use your ruler to draw a slightly bigger circle on top of the first circle. 4. Use your pencil to lightly draw a line across the top of the second circle.
What Is Rounding Over?
Rounding over is creating a rounded edge on a piece of wood. This can be done with either a hand tool or a power tool and is most commonly used on furniture pieces or trim.
When rounding over edges, there are two things to consider – the curve’s radius and the cut’s depth. The radius is how “sharp” the curve will be, while the depth determines how much material will be removed.
For most applications, a ¼” router bit is a good choice, as it will create a moderate curve that won’t be too aggressive. For softer woods or thinner pieces, you may want to use a smaller radius bit, such as a 1/8”.
Why Would You Want to Rounding Over?
There are a few reasons you might want to round over the inside corners of your work.
It can give your project a softer, more organic look. The rounded edges can also make it more comfortable to hold or use, especially if the piece will see a lot of handling.
In some cases, rounding over can also help to strengthen the piece. For example, when you round over sharp corners, it creates what’s known as a “fillet.” This can help distribute stress more evenly along the length of the board, making it less likely to break at those points.
Finally, rounding over can help to prevent splinters and other injuries. If you’re working with materials that tend to splinter easily, like softwoods or plywood, rounding over the edges can help to mitigate that.
Types of Roundover Bits
You can use two types of bits to round over inside corners: a standard round over bit and a chamfer bit.
Standard Roundover Bit
A standard round-over bit has a radiused cutting edge to create a rounded edge on your workpiece. The size of the bit determines the radius of the cutting edge; smaller bits have smaller radii, while larger bits have larger radii.
Chamfer Bit
A chamfer bit has a cutting edge that is angled rather than radiused. This creates an angled edge on your workpiece rather than a rounded one. Chamfer bits are available in various angles, typically 45 degrees to 60 degrees.
Tools You’ll Need
To round over the inside corners of your project, you’ll need a few essential tools:
A Saw:
You’ll need a saw to cut away the excess material from your project. A handheld saw will work fine for most projects, but a power saw will make the job go faster.
A Router:
A router is the best tool for creating smooth, consistent curves. You can use a hand-held router or a table-mounted router, depending on the size and complexity of your project.
A Round Over Bit:
This is the specific type of router bit you’ll need to create the rounded over effect. Round over bits come in various sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that’s appropriate for the size of your project.
Sandpaper:
Once you’ve routed the corners of your project, you’ll need to sand them smoothly. Use higher-grit sandpaper (200 or higher) for best results.
Steps on How to Round Over Inside Corners
Step 1. Cut Away the Excess Material
The first step in rounding over inside corners is to cut away the excess material from your project. This can be done with a saw, but for best results, use a router. A handheld router will work fine for most projects, but a table-mounted router will make the job go faster.
Step 3. Set Up Your Router for Rounding Over Inside Corners
If you’re looking to add a smooth, rounded edge to your woodworking projects, you can round over the inside corners with a router. This technique is commonly used on table and countertop edges, cabinet doors, and drawer fronts. Rounding over inside corners is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before getting started.
First, you’ll need to choose the appropriate bit for the job. A 1/4″ or 3/8″ radius round over bit will work just fine for most applications. Second, you’ll need to decide how deep your cut will be. A good rule of thumb is to make your cut about 1/3 the thickness of the material you’re working with. So, if you’re using 3/4″ thick stock, your cut should be no deeper than 1/4″.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate bit and determined the depth of your cut, it’s time to set up your router. If you’re using a plunge router, start attaching the baseplate to the router body. Then, insert the bit into the chuck and tighten it in place. With the bit installed, adjust the depth stop on the router to match the depth of your desired cut.
If you’re using a table-mounted router, things are a bit different. Start by attaching the fence to the router table. Then, install the bit in the router and adjust the depth stop to match the depth of your desired cut. With the bit installed and the depth set, you’re ready to start routing.
Step 3. Route the Inside Corners of Your Project
With your router set up and ready to go, it’s time to start routing the inside corners of your project. If you’re using a plunge router, begin by positioning the router so that the bit is centered over the corner you want to cut. Then, with the router turned on, slowly lower the bit into the material until it reaches the depth you’ve set. Once the bit is in place, start moving the router around the corner clockwise.
As you move the router around the corner, keep a close eye on your work. First, you’ll want to make sure that the bit is cutting evenly all around the edge of your project. If you see any areas not being cut evenly, adjust your router’s position until the bit is cutting evenly again.
Once you’ve routed all of the inside corners of your project, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 4. Sand the Rounded Edges Smooth
The last step in the process is to sand the rounded edges of your project smoothly. Start with a piece of coarse-grit sandpaper (100-120) and work your way up to finer grit (200 or higher). As you sand, pay special attention to any areas that were not cut evenly by the router bit. These areas will require more sanding than the rest of your project.
When you’re finished sanding, your project should have smooth, rounded edges ready for finishing.
Rounding over inside corners is a simple but effective way to add a touch of style to your woodworking projects. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce professional-looking results in no time.
You Can Check It Out To End Shiplap on an Outside Corner
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Best Results
1. Use a sharp router bit
A sharp router bit will give you the best results and help to prevent any tear out.
2. Set the depth of your cut properly
You’ll want to make sure that you set the depth of your cut so that the router bit is only cutting into the material by about 1/8″. Any more than that, and you risk damaging the material or causing the router bit to slip.
3. Use a guide
A guide will help to ensure that your cuts are straight and even.
4. Use a slow speed
When rounding over inside corners, you’ll want to use a slower speed than you would for other cuts. This will help to prevent any chipping or damage to the material.
5. Use light passes
Take your time and make light passes with the router rather than trying to go too fast. This will help to prevent any mistakes.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to get the best results when rounding over inside corners.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve shown you how to round over inside corners using various tools and methods. Now it’s time for you to get out there and start rounding those corners! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to quickly and easily add beautiful details to your furniture and other woodworking projects. So what are you waiting for? Start rounding over those corners today!
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