How Did They Do This? 1920s Backband

Looking this over, I think the thicker piece glues onto the wider piece. So it is really two projects. The smaller piece is actually fairly easy to cut in several passes. You don't want to take too big a cut at once. If you have a table saw you can use, it will be a much better choice than using a router because you must make several passes for the rabbet. But you can easily make the 45 degree angle cut on your router table with a bit like this:

I know that someone indicated a curved cut, but your picture shows a simple 45 degree angle.

The second, wider piece is pretty easy to do on the router table. Here is a picture of different bits and the profiles they cut. Remember you can route the wider piece either laying down flat, or vertically. Pick a type of bit that cuts a profile the as close to the shape you want as possible. I get a sense that the wider piece is only half an inch or so thick, so you can probably make the cut in a couple of passes. Make the next to the last cut so there's a smidge left and make a very shallow last pass to get it smooth and reduce sanding.


Here's a simpler ersion of that bit guide.


Of course you can make a second cut with a simple beading bit which may allow you to duplicate that little bead on the wide piece.

An interesting challenge, matching old profiles.

st8yd said:

As mentioned above you could probably get away with just a cove as long as it was all on one unit and cut the notch out on a table saw. Don't be scared just because someone else got hurt, you'll never get anything done, use that to remind yourself to be cautious.
But this wavey edge would get you real close.

Click to expand...

Actually that wavey bit is pretty much right on. A little sandpaper work would probably get you there.

In previous posts, I've suggested drilling a 1/4 inch hole in the table near the edge, and a matching hole on the underside of the fence. This allows the fence to pivot. Since you'll want to make multiple passes, that pivoting fence allows you to set the fence for interim cuts and mark the swinging end of the fence's position on the table with a pencil. Then once you get the final cut just right, mark that position. This makes it easy to make exact duplicate cuts on all four sides of that base. You clamp the other edge down so it doesn't shift on you. You don't want to use too high a speed for this, maybe 16,000 rpm.

I'd also use a push block behind the piece to keep from tearing out the ends. Don't change the bit height.