How to Round Wood Edges without Router: 4 Easy Methods

When it comes to rounding wood edges, many of the workers prefer using a router. With the help of a router, the task becomes much easier. They are no doubt handy tools using which we can round the edges of the wood easily.

Routers are great but not all of us can afford it. Just like many of the woodworking tools even a router comes with a high price tag. Although routers are available in all price ranges, the high-quality ones are often very expensive.

The ones that are below $30 are not that great for use. In this case, the only option you have is to learn how to round wood edges without a router. This is the best solution as you don’t have to spend a lot of money after it.

If you are looking for ways to round wood edges without using a router, then you are in the right place. In this guidepost, we will discuss, the different methods using which you can round wood edges without paying for a router.

When do We Need to Round The Edges of Woodworks?

If you are wondering why to round the edges of the wood, then we are here to answer your question.

The short and simple answer is for protection. Sharp edges of wood pose danger not only to kids and pets, but it can also be harmful to adults. In case of any accident, you can get badly injured. This is why you need to pay attention to the wood edges and make sure that there are no sharp edges to cause any danger.

Other than safety, rounded edges also look more stunning than sharp ones. If you have ever tried painting a chair or table before, then you would know how efficiently the paint sticks on the rounded edges of the furniture.

Rounded edges have other benefits too. It protects the furniture from physical damage. Unrounded or uneven edges are easily chipped when the furniture takes from a crash. In other words, rounded edges are more durable than unrounded ones.

Well, you can see why it is important to round the edges of wood furniture. Now it’s time that we discuss the ways to round wood edges without a router.

What are the Accessories We Need?

To get started with the rounding task, you need to first get the required accessories and supplies ready. You will need these accessories to round the edges of the wood furniture.

Here is the list of items you need:

• Hand plane
• Chisel
• Wood file
• Sandpaper

Make sure that you get all high-quality stuff for the task. This is important so that you get better results.

How To Round Wood Edges Without Router?

There are different ways you can follow to round the edges of your wood furniture. We have discussed four of the most common methods below. To help you out, we have described each of the steps in detail.

Method 1: Rounding Wood Edges Using Hand Plane

If you want to round the edges of your wood furniture a lot, then it’s better to use a hand plane.

A hand plan tool is far more effective in removing wood than any other method mentioned here. With the help of a hand plane, you can remove most of the wood easily. The good thing is that you can use this method even without practice. It is an easy process to follow.

You should start with the plane at a 45-degree angle to the edge and then slide it along the length. You need to change your tilt so that you can make facets that will resemble the rounded edge.

You need to continue doing this until you reach the desired size. Once you are there, you can use sandpaper.

Method 2: Rounding Wood Edges with Chisel

The next method you can use is a chisel. This is more an aggressive method of rounding the wood edges. Using a chisel is not easy. It is an effective method but it needs some amount of practice for you to get it done properly.

With the help of a chisel, you can round the corners of sharp wooden furniture. But before you start, you need to make sure that the tool is sharp. Working with a chisel is tougher than using a hand plane.

For a first-timer, it can be really difficult to handle a chisel as the process itself is a lot complicated. But that doesn’t mean you cannot do it. The only thing is that it will take longer than usual.

If you are determined to do it all by yourself using a chisel, then you need to be patient about the task. The process will move a little slower, but your work will be done which is what matters the most.

Method 3: Round Edges with Wood File

If you are looking for a medium strength method of rounding edges, then using a wood file would be a great option. A wood file is more aggressive than sandpaper. However, it is less aggressive in comparison to an edged tool.

In case, you want to make a smaller radius around your piece, you can opt for a wood file. It works the same way sandpaper does. So if you can handle sandpaper, then you can easily handle a wood file as well.

Using the wood file means grinding the edges. All you have to do is rub the wood file against the edges that you want to round. As you keep rubbing the edges, you will see it getting around slowly. In other words, it will get less sharp and dangerous.

You need to keep rubbing the wood file until you achieve the final size. Once you are there, you can go over it again, but this time with lighter pressure. This will help you to remove the tool marks. After using this method, your wood will be ready to be rubbed by sandpaper. This is the final stage that makes the rounded corners smooth.

Method 4: Breaking Your Edges with Sandpaper

Lastly, we have the sandpaper technique which is considered to be the easiest way of rounding wood edges. However, this method should be used only, if you don’t need to round the edges a lot.

This method is most effective when you just want to break the sharpness of the edges. The method of using sandpaper is the easiest of all tools mentioned.

In place of sandpaper, you can also use a sanding block, to apply a little bit of more strength. You need to move or rub the sanding block along the length of the edges and end at a 45-degree angle. Once you reach close to your desired facet, use the sandpaper on the palm of your hand, and round it over slightly.

Your hands will bend the sandpaper and contour to give you a rounded shape. You need to start with the block brakes and then finish with your hand creating the roundness.

What are the Precautions You Must Take?

Rounding wood edges can be both easy and difficult. It depends on the tool you are using and also how skilled you are.

No matter what tool you are using or how skilled you are, it is always important for you to maintain proper safety measures while undertaking such tasks, especially at home.

Wood edges are sharp and so are the tools you are working with. Therefore, you need to make it a point to maintain all the safety measures that are required.

• When working with sharp objects like a chisel, you need to keep your hands protected. The best thing to do would be to wear protective gloves. This will only keep your hands clean but will also protect them from getting cut and injured from any mishap.
• If you are going to DIY the task at home, then you should make sure that you are working away from your kids and pet. Letting them come close to sharp objects and ends can lead to accidents at any time. Therefore, it’s better to avoid the situation than to regret it later.
• For extra precaution, you can also wear goggles. This will keep your eyes protected from flying wooden pecks and dust. If you don’t want to hurt your eyes badly, then you should consider wearing a pair of safety goggles.