Easy Way to Cut Curves in Hardwood

Video

Best Practices for Cutting and Shaping Curves

In this project video on building a bookcase, you'll learn how to lay out, cut (with a bandsaw or jigsaw), sand, and smooth curved surfaces.

In this episode of Getting Started in Woodworking, the sixth in our series on building an oak bookcase, we demonstrate how to cut curves with a bandsaw or jigsaw. We also show you a few tricks for drawing, sanding and smoothing curves.

To determine the locations and dimensions of each of the curves on the bookcase featured in this series, use the free woodworking plan available for this project.

Laying Out Curves

Their are two main types of curves in furniture design, radius curves and changing radius curves, also known as fair curves. A radius curve is just like it sounds. The curve is a section of a radius and can be drawn using a compass. A changing radius curve isn't a section of a circle. This type of curve can be drawn with a variety of drawing tools, including french curves and battens. We use both of those tools to draw the changing-radius curves in our bookcase project.

Bandsaw versus Jigsaw for Cutting Curves

The bandsaw is the ideal power tool for cutting the curves on our bookcase project. A bandsaw has a smooth cutting action and produces a square smooth edge that's easy to clean up with a sander. Because of the flat table on the bandsaw, it's also easy to control your cut. If you don't have a bandsaw in your shop, the next best tool is the jigsaw.

With either tool, the trick to cutting curves in your furniture is to mark out the curve and then cut roughly 1/8-in. from the line. The remaining waste can be removed with a power sander or by hand sanding.

To sand and smooth curved surfaces, we show two techniques: The first is with a belt sander; the second uses a curved hand sanding block made from a scrap piece of lumber.

If you have a question about this episode send us an email or post a question in our Q&A forum.

Related links
Drawing Big Curves
How to Cut Flawless Curves on the Bandsaw
Tips for Better Sanding

Videos in the Series

Building an Oak Bookcase

August 5, 2019

In this introductory video, you'll get an overview of how to make a solid-wood bookcase.
Buying Hardwood Lumber

August 5, 2019

In this project video on building a bookcase, learn some insider tips for purchasing lumber for your project.
How to Rip Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw

August 5, 2019

In this project video on building a bookcase, learn how to rip a piece of wood to width.
How to Crosscut Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw

August 5, 2019

In this project video on building a bookcase, you'll learn how to cut a board to length across the grain.
How to Cut Rabbets and Dadoes with a Router

October 16, 2019

Learn how to use a router and a simple jig to cut accurate rabbets and dadoes in this project video on building an oak bookcase.
Hand Sanding and Power Sanding Basics

October 16, 2019

Sanding is one of the most important steps of any woodworking project. In this project video on building a bookcase, learn how to sand flat surfaces, edges, and curves.
Best Practices for Cutting and Shaping Curves

October 16, 2019

In this project video on building a bookcase, you'll learn how to lay out, cut (with a bandsaw or jigsaw), sand, and smooth curved surfaces.
Create Strong and Simple Joinery with Screws and Hardwood Plugs

October 22, 2019

Learn how to drill clearance holes and pilot holes for screws and hide the screws with plugs in this project video on building an oak bookcase.
Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 1

October 22, 2019

In part 1 of this 2-part video series, learn how to build the base for the bench.
Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 2

October 22, 2019

In part 2 of this 2-part video series, learn how to construct the bench top and attach a traditional woodworking vise.
10 Ways to Use a Workbench – Start Woodworking S2:Ep10

October 22, 2019

In this episode of Getting Started in Woodworking, we put our new simple, sturdy workbench to work by demonstrating our 10 favorite techniques and accessories for the workbench. These shopmade…