Do you ease all edges?

[CptanPanic]

I was wondering what you folks do to the edges of your furniture you build. I like to look of a crisp line, but at the same time don't want it to be too sharp. I heard of using a 1/8" roundover on all exposed edges. Is this overkill?
Thanks,
CP

[autiger1]

I use a 1/8 or even a 1/16" roundover or sand.

Tom

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by autiger1

I use a 1/8 or even a 1/16" roundover or sand.

Tom

ditto here.
Sanding with a wooden or rubber hand block
really just eases that super sharp corner that's going to be nicked anyway. Softens it immensly.

[RodKirby]

ditto - 1/8"

[Tom Hintz]

On edges I want to remain clean looking I justs rub them down in the final sanding stages with some 220-grit to just smooth the edge a little. It takes away the sharpness without loosing the clean look of the edge.

[mattc183]

Definetly. Sometimes, I think an 1/8 is a bit much.

[dkhoward]

Ditto here also. I genearlly just hit the edges lightly with a foam sanding block.

[Tom Miller]

I leave a crisp arris (learned that one while playing with hand planes) unless there's a good reason not to. Good reasons might include: soft material (it's gonna get dinged), or comfort (a piece that's going to get handled, or otherwise come in contact).

Regards,
Tom

[drumpriest]

Round over the outside edges, sand the inside edges.

[Pappy]

I always soften the edges of a piece. How much depends on the project. Anything from light passes with 320 to 1/8 or larger round over bits to a couple of passes with a block plane. Reasoning is visual appeal, safety, and most finishes will fail/chip faster on a sharp edge.

[monte]

I soften all edges while hand sanding.

[mater]

Lightly sand the edges here also.

[JeffW]

It depends on the project. If it is a piece that people are going to come into contact with, I ease the edges. On some pieces I'll round over depending on the design. With grandchildren around, I don't want sharp edges. Just a sacrifice I make.

[Tom Miller]

I saw that I didn't complete my full thought above. When I said I leave a crisp arris, I still go over it, at least lightly, with ~220. What I don't do, unless there's reason, is round over with 1/8" or more roundover.

Regards,
Tom

[JimD]

I try to remember to make a few passes with 220 or 320 on a hand sanding block as I am checking the piece before applying finish. For most things, I think an 1/8 roundover would be too much. I test how much by feel (I run my finger tips over the edge) on the first edge and then use the sandpaper the same amount on the other edges. Generally only 2-4 strokes.

Jim