Radius Shelf

[Jerry Gille]

Other than a file, what do you use to radius a shelf?  I have always used a file.  It is slow for me and I never seem to be completely satisfied with the results.  My problem is always the 90 degree edge up against the sight window.  I cut into the window just a little every time.

[Crooked Stic]

Cut it a bit fatter than you want then rasp it close, then I use a die grinder with a 2 in. Roloc 50 grit disc. The disc flexes in the corner. Round files work also.

[Noah70]

After the sight window is cut out, I use a hacksaw blade to cut the downward angles of the intended radius at the back and belly to the same depth as the window, and then lay the blade flat against the sight window and cut out those two pieces.  I then use the 1/2” sanding drum on my Dremel, sanding from back to belly and reverse until I get a nice smooth curve.  I use the smallest chainsaw file I have to round in the corner between shelf and window. Quick and easy to get a perfect radius.

[Kirkll]

This film is a bit long, but it shows how I shape a riser from scratch and the shelf cutout and shaping.

https://youtu.be/tipv4gvFl4A?feature=shared

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I use a 1/2” round rasp to cut the depths and radius of the shelf. It his keeps from making a square inside corner. then a Ferreir rasp to blend it into the fades.

Kyle

[Mad Max]

I like this way but takes longer. I do it all the time.
Here are the bits for fiberglass. They are carbide and coated.


I start at the edge sander



Drill press chuck is up all the way, I crank the table up for depth of cut.
Your riser needs to be full width and flat so you can slide it around on the table





after doing it this way I noticed the shank on the bit rubs the shelf above the cutting teeth so I made a pattern/rub collar to get a nice finish and shape. I don't have a picture of it.


Rub collar has this curve for the shelf

[OldRawhide42]

Max where are you getting the bits ???
Jim

[Mad Max]

Max where are you getting the bits ???
Jim

I lost all the info on my last laptop. 
They were for cutting fiberglass, 1/4" shank.

[Mad Max]

Just found it

https://bursforcarving.com/rasp-type-burs/

[OldRawhide42]

🙏

[OldRawhide42]

I dont know how i got that.  Thanks Max

[Kirkll]

That 1/8" tile cutting bit is what i use in a dremel tool for doing tip notches.... but... when its brand new you need to knock the edges off a bit on a piece of steel or its WAY to aggressive. i just run it across my vise base a couple times to tame it down a bit. it makes short work out of roughing out the tip notches, then finish up with a chain saw file.

I did another quick video of just shaping the radius shelf on my current project. It only takes about 10 minutes max, plus finish sanding.   If the video doesn't play smoothly. give it some time and come back to it later. it may still be loading.  I've been experimenting with phone videos here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vwotLut9zWd3oJpBA

Here she is after a bit of sanding...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xyBffV4jDyfEZjvv6

[Jerry Gille]

Thank you everyone for the responses here. I learned some new techniques here and look forward to trying them.  I appreciate you all taking the time to offer help here!

[mmattockx]

Here's some more info, from JGR1269:

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=153887.0

Jon does a great job showing how he does his grip and shelf area. The riser work starts on post #57.


Mark