That's going to be easier with a plunge router than a router table.

David

Edit - a quick search and there are dozens of videos on this, so here's one below

 

Try looking at bowl and tray bits.

Then it is a matter of using a template to define the boundaries of the recesses

 

" That's going to be easier with a plunge router than a router table. " Thats what was thinking too. Which YouTube search term did you use?
Cheers.

" Try looking at bowl and tray bits. Then it is a matter of using a template to define the boundaries of the recesses "
Ok thanks, info on using templates for this or likely to find on the YouTubes?

Cheers.

 

" That's going to be easier with a plunge router than a router table. " Thats what was thinking too. Which YouTube search term did you use?

Used Google, went to Videos, picked a short one for example (watched it first, too! :grin - Router serving tray diy

David

 

I need to learn this too. Thanks for the info!

 

I would use a template guide bushing and a shop made template. I would define the outside boundary first, then use a ski or sled type of arrangement to clean the bottom.

The first bit I would use for the boundary is an uncut spiral, set in a little from the edge to hog out a bunch of the waste and make things easier on the bowl and tray bit. After that, use the bowl and tray bit to define the perimeter.

Then make a simple sled using a board that will span the platter, and use the spiral bit to hog out the majority of the waste. Put the bowl and tray back in, set it just shy of the depth you made the perimeter, and finish off the bottom. The nice thing about the bowl and tray bit is that it leaves a lot nicer finish than a straight cutter.

If I weren't stuck out here at sea I would show you my setup... hopefully I am describing it OK

 

I agree with Doug`s method. Establish the outline and then remove all the waste in the center with a sled. Sleds are handy for leveling difficult surfaces too. You don`t need a large one for a cheese tray but size is up to you. Here`s a video of one being built and it`s similar to one I built years ago to flatten my workbench after I constructed it by laminating 2 x lumber together.

 

David,

Thanks for sharing that. It's something I will try. I have slabs of Walnut that I'm sure will look good after a few practice runs.

Dan

 

OK thans David.

 

kp91,

Yes I get the gist of it. " If I weren't stuck out here at sea " Perhaps safe place to be, just at the moment.

 

I've never seen that Record Power sliding table before, Peter. That is slick!
I don't think they sell them over on this side of he pond.

 

I frequently use a Forstner bit to remove a lot of the material in the center of a bowl before finishing it with a bowl bit.
Router sleds are a great addition to the shop as well.