Routing the edge of a tray

Routing the edges of wooden trays can truly elevate the quality and feel of your finished woodworking projects. In my experience, starting with a bandsaw to roughly cut the tray leaves you some extra material, typically about an eighth of an inch. This small allowance ensures you don’t accidentally cut too close and weaken the tray edges. When I move on to the router table, I prefer using a 1/4” round over bit. This bit efficiently removes the excess wood left by the bandsaw and creates a smooth, rounded edge that not only looks professional but also feels comfortable to the touch. Using a SawStop router table adds an extra layer of safety, which is especially important for less experienced woodworkers or those working with smaller pieces like trays. After routing, sanding the sides and bottom edges is a crucial step. I typically start with a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any router marks or rough spots, followed by a finer grit to prepare the wood for finishing. This sanding process enhances the wood’s natural grain and ensures that the tray is comfortable to handle. One helpful tip is to keep your router bit sharp and clean to prevent burning or tearing of the wood fibers. Also, feeding the tray steadily and evenly into the bit will produce the best results. If you’re working on multiple trays, making a simple jig can increase precision and repeatability. Finally, finishing your tray with oil, wax, or a clear coat will protect the wood and highlight its character. I’ve found the combination of a rounded, routed edge and a well-sanded surface really brings out the quality of handcrafted trays, making them ideal for decorative or functional use. These techniques apply not only to trays but also to other catch-all items and woodworking projects where edge finishing matters. Taking the time to route and sand edges properly will impress both you and anyone who uses your pieces.