Working With Curves, Part 2

Part one of this series discussed methods of joining curved elements on a cabinet carcase. Here we’ll look how I made the curved drawer fronts and rails on the same cabinet. Basically I had three options: bandsawing from solid, steambending or, the option I chose, laminating thin sections.

Sawing laminates

These need to be 2–3 mm thick and usually a bandsaw with its thinner kerf blades and height capacity is the most efficient way. For a good result, use a 3/4–1" blade with 1-1/2–2 tpi.

Use an auxiliary fence if necessary and make sure both it and the blade are square to the table. To get a good smooth cut aim for a slow steady rate with no stops. It takes a bit of practice to keep the material moving as you change hands at various stages.

Usually I