INProfile Issue 3 | Page 12

Curved Top Rails Top and bottom rails can be made with a curved inner edge, grooved and moulded to take the door panel. For this the rail will need to be cut from wider material with the curved edge shaped and squared before cutting the profile. To cut the curved edge, mark out the shape on the template material (6mm MDF or plastic). Cut the curve with a jigsaw and finish true and square. Leave extra length at each end to allow a bearing guided cutter to enter and leave the curved face smoothly. Cut the scribed profile at each end of the rail. Make up a workholder as shown, using the template to position the rail. Fit the rail into the workholder and draw along the curved edge. Remove the rail and cut the curve, leaving no more than 3mm waste material on the waste side of the line. Cut along the curve with a jigsaw. Mount the rail in the workholder and use a bearing guided flush trimming cutter to trim the curved face flush to the template. With the router disconnected from the power source, set up the router table with the profile scribing cutter assembled for machining the rail and stile edges. Remove the fence and fit the clear plastic profiling top guard and lead-in pin. Fit the rail into the workholder and rest it flat on the table. Switch the router on and feed the work into the cutter, starting with the lead-in section of the workholder against the lead-in pin. It will be necessary to cut the profile to the full depth in one pass. Therefore adjust your feed rate to allow waste to clear and keep the stress on the cutter as minimal as possible. to pull the joints tight. Wipe away any excess glue and check that the door lies flat and square before leaving to dry. If the door is to be given a clear finish, ensure that no traces of glue are left on the surface. IP Assembly Before gluing the joints, assemble the frame and panel dry. Finish all surfaces that cannot be sanded easily after assembly and have sash cramps and soft packings (to prevent the cramps marking the wood) ready to hand. The panels should not be glued into the groove, but be pinned with a brass panel pin at the top and bottom. Assemble the door using the cramps FREE BOOKLET All profile scribers and panel cutters are supplied with a 64 page instruction booklet which features the constructi