Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Everyone knows the table saw trick where you run a board diagonally to cut a cove, or a concave curve.
But what if you wanted the opposite… a convex one?
I challenged myself with that question and came up with a method I’m pretty happy with. While you might think you’d need a curved cutter to make a convex shape, all you really need is a flush trim bit.
My idea was simple: if I could make the board roll forward and backward on a pivot, it should mimic part of a circle…and that motion should create the convex curve.
That got me thinking about using a metal pipe as the pivot. Next, I needed a sled to anchor everything to the router table and keep the cut safe.
I wanted the table to slide apart so I could use boards of different widths and thicknesses, so I built a sliding table.
The pipe needed a set of pivot blocks. I notched a board the exact width of the pipe so it would sit flush inside it, then added friction brakes made from threaded brass rods. These tighten against the pipe and keep it from rotating while I make my passes.
Finally, I needed a cradle to hold the stock. This lets the board roll across the bit and carve a smooth convex curve.
There’s a little more to this build, but I’m really happy with the end result.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Check out the video for this build → youtu.be/_4I7Lel1T08
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Everyone knows the table saw trick where you run a board diagonally to cut a cove, or a concave curve.
But what if you wanted the opposite… a convex one?
I challenged myself with that question and came up with a method I’m pretty happy with. While you might think you’d need a curved cutter to make a convex shape, all you really need is a flush trim bit.
My idea was simple: if I could make the board roll forward and backward on a pivot, it should mimic part of a circle…and that motion should create the convex curve.
That got me thinking about using a metal pipe as the pivot. Next, I needed a sled to anchor everything to the router table and keep the cut safe.
I wanted the table to slide apart so I could use boards of different widths and thicknesses, so I built a sliding table.
The pipe needed a set of pivot blocks. I notched a board the exact width of the pipe so it would sit flush inside it, then added friction brakes made from threaded brass rods. These tighten against the pipe and keep it from rotating while I make my passes.
Finally, I needed a cradle to hold the stock. This lets the board roll across the bit and carve a smooth convex curve.
There’s a little more to this build, but I’m really happy with the end result.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Check out the video for this build → youtu.be/_4I7Lel1T08
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
