Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In this project I set out to solve a challenge I’d been thinking about for a while...how do you create a convex curve in a board without bending the wood?
Most woodworkers are familiar with cutting coves on the table saw, which creates a concave shape. But the opposite problem...creating a convex rounded surface...isn’t nearly as easy. After about a month of experimenting, I ended up building a router jig that can make consistent convex curves using a pivoting cradle and a flush trim router bit.
This jig works by rotating the board in small increments while making light passes with the router. The end goal is a smooth curved surface that can be used for panels, curved box sides, rounded lids, and other projects.
"Playlist of all Bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmREJOlu3GXkbB6mzoABHVi
Webpage for this build! → makethingswithrob.com/convex-curves-made-from-a-router
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
00:00 Intro
00:14 1. Materials
01:03 2. Sled base build (Shape, rods and t-track)
04:52 3. Pivot blocks
06:51 4. (Brass) friction brakes
07:22 5. Pivot blocks (attaching)
08:13 6. Cradle blocks (attaching)
08:56 7. Cradle
09:51 8. Cradle blocks (finishing)
11:19 9. Fixture & bit needed
12:24 10. Example
15:20 11. Finishing thoughts
16:35 Credits
#MakeThings #MakeThingsWithRob
In this project I set out to solve a challenge I’d been thinking about for a while...how do you create a convex curve in a board without bending the wood?
Most woodworkers are familiar with cutting coves on the table saw, which creates a concave shape. But the opposite problem...creating a convex rounded surface...isn’t nearly as easy. After about a month of experimenting, I ended up building a router jig that can make consistent convex curves using a pivoting cradle and a flush trim router bit.
This jig works by rotating the board in small increments while making light passes with the router. The end goal is a smooth curved surface that can be used for panels, curved box sides, rounded lids, and other projects.
"Playlist of all Bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmREJOlu3GXkbB6mzoABHVi
Webpage for this build! → makethingswithrob.com/convex-curves-made-from-a-router
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
00:00 Intro
00:14 1. Materials
01:03 2. Sled base build (Shape, rods and t-track)
04:52 3. Pivot blocks
06:51 4. (Brass) friction brakes
07:22 5. Pivot blocks (attaching)
08:13 6. Cradle blocks (attaching)
08:56 7. Cradle
09:51 8. Cradle blocks (finishing)
11:19 9. Fixture & bit needed
12:24 10. Example
15:20 11. Finishing thoughts
16:35 Credits
#MakeThings #MakeThingsWithRob
