9
ME/JIG
Setting Minor Axis
n
Position router cutter over minor axis
mark, slide main frame until cutter is
positioned over mark and check that
index washer on pivot point ʻBʼ reads
180mm, then lock knob ʻBʼ.
Setting up is now complete. Alternatively
the positions of the pivot points can be set
before locating the pivot points onto the
slider pins using the measurement scale.
The calculation requires simply halving the
major and minor axis and allowing for the
cutter diameter.
Minor Axis
B
A
Weakest points & possible
poor/rough finish
-9-
Fixing Methods
T
he workpiece should be fixed onto a false or
waste piece to stop you damaging your work
bench.
There are many methods depending on the
application as follows:
1.
'G' clamps should be positioned outside the
swing area of the jig.
2.
Camclamps are ideal as they will not
obstruct the jig. An adjustable camclamp jig
can be made for various sizes of ellipses.
3.
Double-sided tape Ref. DS/TAPE can be
used and rolled off easily after operation.
4.
Spot gluing with a hot melt glue gun will
allow the workpiece to be prized off with
minimal surface damage.
5.
Panel pins are a quick and easy method
providing the small holes are acceptable.
Choice of Material
Whilst it is perfectly possible to produce frames
with solid panels of natural wood, there will be a
weakness at the short-grained parts of the
ellipse. The frame will be delicate and liable to
break at these points unless care is taken. A
more professional approach is to use a series of
mitred jointed sections which overcome the
cross-grain problems and give an attractive
grained finish. Sections can be dowel or biscuit
jointed to give strength to the frame.
Routing Operation
n
Fit cutter, switch router on, plunge in and
make repeat sweeps with the router at 3mm
steps.
When cutting or central panelling,
one can reverse direction of feed
to stop the electric cable
becoming twisted. However, when
edge moulding and cutting, feed
direction must be opposite to that
of the cutter.
Care should be taken on the last
cut prior to break through, as the
resultant ellipse or circular plaque
or ring can possibly move.
Double-sided tape can be used to
eliminate any danger of this
occurring.
n
Trial runs should be made on scrap material
when first using this jig.
MANU-MEJ v4.0_MANU-MEJ 14/06/2013 15:38 Page 9
