This is literally how an ellipse is defined mathematically: all points for which the sum of the distance to two given points (foci) is constant. Using the string loop forces a constant circumference of the triangle everywhere. Since the distance between the foci (nails) does not change, the remaining two sides of the triangle will always sum up to the same length. We learned this back in school when when learning about ellipses. Fun fact: a hyperbola is defined as curve on which the DIFFERENCE between the distances, rather than the sum, is constant. :)

Smooth. No nonsense delivery. Thank you.

Bringing back the talent in woodworking. A "hand-cut" elipse, (even if you are using a jig saw). Need to be pretty good with it, in order to cut a smooth line.

You just blew my mind with this technique, thank you so much for the video.

@BitsandWood

3 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome!

Wow, great technique.

Świetny pomysł !

Very informative....thanks!

thanks for the info,

Awesome thanks!

@BitsandWood

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Hope it's useful!

Super

very nice

@BitsandWood

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Help. I followed you thus far, but how about a base. I want to make a square base. What are the options of width vs length, or the area of the top to the base to be safe?

@BitsandWood

4 жыл бұрын

This video shows how I made the base for this top: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYOJs9yviZO6erQ.html If you wanted a square base (mine was rectangular since the ellipse is longer than it is wide), I'd probably start with the top and figure out how big I wanted that, then when the top is cut, get a piece of cardboard cut into a square just narrower than the short side of the ellipse and keep cutting the cardboard smaller until you are pleased with its proportions compared to the top. Whatever that final size of the cardboard is, is the size I would make the base.

Hi! Can it also be done with an ordinary compas? Thanks

@BitsandWood

4 жыл бұрын

I don't think so, but I've never tried. I think you'd have to have some sort of jig to account for the changing radius.

@Melvorgazh

4 жыл бұрын

Sawdust is Life Sadly it makes sense. The only problem with the string is acuracy, especially for those who do drawings want to learn how to make very accurate and clean ellipsis.

@BitsandWood

4 жыл бұрын

@@Melvorgazh True, the string does leave plenty of room for error. If one could find some sort of string that didn't have any stretch, accuracy could be improved as long as tension remains consistent. I'm not aware of such a string though.

@mg-lz8ex

4 жыл бұрын

@@BitsandWood maybe a flexible thin gauge wire could provide the mobility and not have. a stretch factor.

What is the size of this oval ?

@BitsandWood

Жыл бұрын

I think it was around 3 feet, but I don’t remember for sure.

Que tipo de madera es la que está utilizando ?

@BitsandWood

6 жыл бұрын

Cereza.

How big was that over table is it good enough for 4 chairs

@BitsandWood

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a coffee table. Too short for chairs.

Do you accept order?

@BitsandWood

Жыл бұрын

Not right now, no.

It’s an ellipse mathematically - the nails are at the foci and the summed distance to them from the edge is constant. Not sure what you meant by claiming otherwise?

@BitsandWood

4 жыл бұрын

My only claim is this is an easy way to cut an elliptical table top, just like the title says. It's not a math lesson.

Why do you say that it is not a true ellipse?

@BitsandWood

3 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I don't remember. :)

@Troy-Moses

3 жыл бұрын

@@BitsandWood What you did is actually the truest ellipse: a major and minor axis with a varying radius.

even better: Take all the guesswork out, and hours of hand-sanding, make an ellipse jig and shape the thing with a router!!!!!🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

@BitsandWood

4 жыл бұрын

Meh, use a good blade and cut close to the line and take your time and this goes fine. Instead of sanding I just use a spokeshave. An ellipse jig is fine, I just don't like building jigs unless there is no other way. As rare as any elliptical needs are in my shop, this way works fine.

@ThekiBoran

3 жыл бұрын

@@BitsandWood I'm with Clive, a 1/2" mdf template would be my choice.