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Oval Mirror Repair

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3.2K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  bobj3  
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#1 ·
Hello to all members of Router Forums. This is my first posting. I consider my skill level between a novice and an intermediate. I live outside of Houston, TX and among other things enjoy my time in the wood shop.

I am seeking advise as how to approach the repair of an oval mirror opening on a circa 1810 sideboard.
The oval mirror opening is missing a small arch section which I need to make. The edge of the entire opening has a decorative molding cut as if a router with a molding bit was used. (Don't believe the craftsmen back then had routers.) I believe I have identified a router bit from MLCS called Heirloom bit #7880 that may match the original molding design. I have removed the mirror which may be used to make a pattern. I have also attached pics of the sideboard.

I am looking for advise as to the steps I need to follow to repair the edge of the mirror opening so it will look original. Hopefully your advise will also include how to hold a small piece while routing the arch, the edge and calculating the degrees in the arch. The wood is mahogany.

I have table mounted router and hand held routers along with other wood working machines and tools.
 

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#2 · (Edited)
Hi Spencer

Welcome to the forum.

I think you need one of BobJ's home made ball bearing bases, that will enable you to follow the curve.

With any luck, he'll be along shortly and can point you to the thread, where he posted lots of photographs

Cheers

Peter
 

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#3 ·
You might start with a piece 4" wide or so and maybe 12" long. trace the arc on to the wood. Cut the arc on the band saw and fair it up with a oscillating drum sander. Then mold it, and finally, cut it to width and length.
I hope your profile bit is spot on.
 
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#4 · (Edited)
I think your biggest issue will be matching the profile of the existing frame, then matching the color of the existing finish.

I'd start by cutting a matching segment of the oval, longer than you'll actually need, then cut out the smaller segment to match the opening. Prior to making the cut, you can rout the rabbet for the mirror using a bearing-guided rabbeting bit.

You might have to hand-carve the front profile to match, however. The typical edge-profile bit isn't going to work on the face arc.
 
B
#5 · (Edited)
Hi

This is not going to be a easy fix/rebuild any way you cut it..I know that it's 1810 , I would replace the oval frame, you have more than one error in the frame, but just replace the mirror frame only, it looks like it's glued in place and with some care it should come out free and clean.. then put the new one in place and match it up with the old color,etc. good luck on this one.. :)

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