Rib Construction

The first thing I needed to do in building the ribs was to get a board to build a jig on. The board needed to 1'X4'X3/4". I went looking at the expensive oak and walnut boards that were going for $25 to $35. There were about 25 different boards to look at in the size I needed but they were all cupped. Not a one was flat. I ended up buying a piece of particle board that was finished off for shelving. It was a nice flat board and shouldn't warp. When using partial board you need to screw on the wood parts to make your jig. Nails won't work.

 

The particle board with the plans cut out and attached.

To make the jig parts i used 1/4" exterior grade plywood. I first used tracing paper to trace out my parts from the plans. I then transferred those to the plywood using carbon paper. The pieces were than cut out on a scroll saw. the parts were than attached with small screws.

 

This is the completed rib jig

 

The first rib in the jig.

 

To speed things up I also built a false rib jig. It is perminatly attached to the end of the table.

A suggestion. Start building your ribs right when you start building from a kit or plans. Me personally, and a couple of other people I have talked to in the past don't like making ribs. This has really slowed me down!!! I would just as soon DO ANYTHING than make ribs. To me they are boring.

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