If the part is smaller than the Axis Base, you will cut into
the Axis Base. We make them out of MDF so this is possible to
do without harming the sander or other cutting tool. They are a
wear item and will eventually need to be replaced. Order extra
Axis Bases as needed. You can also make your own custom
Axis Bases that are closer in size to the size of the oval you’re
cutting. Just cut 1/2" wide grooves so they are at right angles and
crossing each other. The grooves should be about 5/16" deep and
you can use 1/2" or thicker, material to make the Axis Bases.
ROUTING & DRAWING OVALS
Sanding ovals to size is safer, but sometimes that’s not
possible, especially on the inside of an oval. Routing requires
a stationary overarm router with a plunging mechanism to
control the depth of cut and to retract the bit. Routing is more
dangerous, so take more precautions to insure that the work is
firmly fastened to the Axis Base. Also, make sure the part is
large enough to provide a firm grip without placing your hands
too close to the bit. To rout an oval, position the groove in the
work table on the same center line as the router bit and elevate
the bit to clear the work. Take several shallow cuts no more than
1/8" deep per pass. When cutting the outside edge of an oval,
swing the Axis Base/work counterclockwise. When cutting the
inside edge of an oval, swing the Axis Base/work clockwise.
To draw an oval, insert a 1/2" screw
(MF005)
thru the hole
in the Scribe Pencil Holder
(3205B)
and start the offset oval
nut
(5765B)
on the end of the screw. Slide the oval nut/pencil
holder on to the end of the 12" One Track
(4212)
and tighten the
screw. Position the 12" One Track in the same center line as the
groove in the work table, but elevate it to clear the work. Insert
a pencil in the pencil holder to draw the desired oval.
See fig 9.
TECHNICAL STUFF
When cutting a 4" wide oval frame, for example, the frame
will only measure 4" at the 0º, 90º, 180º & 270º points. It will
measure slightly narrower everywhere else. This phenomenon
is common to all oval jigs. Actually the jig is cutting 4" wide
everywhere, but that's measured on the center line of the grooves in
the Axis Base, which are not square to, or in line with, the groove
in the work table, except at the four points mentioned above. The
greater the differential, the more pronounced this is.
See fig. 10.
If you need a consistent oval width, cut the one edge
of the oval using the jig. Make a tool that holds a pencil to
follow the cut edge of the oval. Draw the opposite edge
of the oval at the width needed, using the cut edge as a
guide. We offer a handy drawing tool (
Margin Scribe, PN
3205)
if you don’t want to make your own.
See fig. 11.
CAPACITIES
The chart on the right lists the cutting capacity of all of
our Oval Jigs. It’s based on the standard T-Track length (or
Axis Base size) included with the jig. If you need to cut smaller
ovals you can cut the T-Tracks shorter (or Axis Base of the 3220
or 3210 smaller), but this will reduce the differential range.
Note that the 3250 measurements do not cover the full
potential differential range available in this jig because it
uses a 72" bar. By getting a 96" bar for the 3250 you can
cut even larger ovals with a greater differential range.
©Copyright WOODHAVEN INC. 9/18/06
(800) 344-6657 or WWW.WOODHAVEN.COM
3
10
11
Example of width variation
on 4” frame
4” @ 180º
4” @ 90º
4” At line
of travel
Less than 4” when
measured @ 90º
from edge
3210 Oval Jig
1” to 10” differential
Smallest
Largest
1” x 3-11”
10-18” x 20”
3220 Oval Jig
4” to 12” differential
13” x 17-25”
41-49” x 53”
3230 Oval Jig
7” to 23” differential
25” x 32-48”
54-70” x 77”
3240 Oval Jig
7” to 47” differential
49” x 56-96”
54-94” x 101”
3250 Oval Jig
7” to 95” differential
97” x 104-149”
97-142” x 149”
9
