I have these two pieces of bookmatched crotch grain walnut that I'd like to join together for a table top. I have flattened them and stripped the bark from the live edges.
Any advice on cutting the straight edge? I'd like to keep the branch arms on the outer edges. I do not have a track saw so that is out of the question. Is using a circular saw and a straightedge my best bet? Any bandsaw or table saw jugs that would help?
And as far as joining goes, do you think biscuits will suffice?
Use a circle saw and straight edge guide to do your initial rough cut. Then use a router with a straight bit to run between the two cut edges, guided by a straight edge. Done right this will get you very close to having a good joint for glue up. If necessary, follow up with hand plane to fine tune the joint.
Biscuits are not necessary. Use good quality glue (I generally use titebond III but you might want to try the Titebond extended formula which dries clear…) and adequate clamping pressure and it will be stronger than the wood. Use cauls to help with alignment during the glue up.
Attach a straightedge to the board on the opposite side of the edge you want to dress using double-sided tape. Then run the straightedge along the fence of your TS and you will cut a straight line anywhere on that board you want, easy peasy.
Attach a straightedge to the board on the opposite side of the edge you want to dress using double-sided tape. Then run the straightedge along the fence of your TS and you will cut a straight line anywhere on that board you want, easy peasy.
To clarify, I don't think HW is talking about a ruler, it will need to be a sheet of ply, mabe best to build a sled for that, it is a pretty large piece. You will still probably need to clean up to get a clean line.
It's going to be a rather large piece to accommodate the branch area that shoots off the sides. I have 52 inches to the right of the blade so I'm sure that will hold it. After reading HW's reply I assumed a piece of ply would be best.
If you are making a table top with it, why not leave the space and just glue the points where they mate. The apron will hold it together. Nice looking crotch to be cutting up
Yes to clarify I do mean a piece of ply or MDF mounted to the branch side. It's a classic approach to getting a straight edge opposite a wany edge. You will need to joint the cut edge to make it nice, a #6 would be a good choice for that task if you have one on hand.
Are you going to join it at the two edges which touch in the photo?
Consider planing straight edges only at the top and bottom of the photo. Leave the space that now looks like an elongated football. Span the open space with Dutchmen. Maybe put Dutchman on the edged and joined parts, too, to give it some unity. I'm a big fan of the bow tie Dutchmen and think it might look good.
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