Rocker Layout

If you are cutting rocker slots, especially by hand or a simple router jig, it will require laying out lines that follow the axis of the rockers through each leg. This is a bit tougher than it might sounds because the legs are rarely in the same plane. So as I mention in the videos, you will need to split the difference by offsetting the slots at the ends of the legs to maintain strength at the depth of the slots. Here is a sequence of drawings that shows a method that I’ve used for years. After running through it a few times, you will also get a better mental image of the issues that arise when a straight channel passes through legs that aren’t coplanar.

My depth is usually about 1 1/4- 1 1/2”

Proper centering and marking ensures that there is enough mass on either side of the slots at their bottom to be strong. Be sure to feed the string through the rubber bands the same direction (usually the top) to maintain accuracy

This is why you can’t just use the axis of the legs!

this is the step where you “split the difference”, Notice how the lathe center marks help get the offset spacing right

If ever you want a sharp pencil, this is it, slight marking discrepancies throw off the next steps

This step is done separately to each leg. Lay the rule flat on the end of the leg instead of trying to balance it on the corner, it’s easier to mark accurately that way.

Time to check your work.

I always carefully check the alignment with a straight edge, if one of the lines or more doesn’t align with the straight edge, I make corrections.

Once I’ve established these two lines on each leg, I can use them as centers to layout whatever thickness I will be sawing. Usually, I use the lines to create a path for a router to follow as I show in the Rocker article I did in Fine Woodworking way back.

I love solving sticky problems with string and rubberbands, especially when I don’t have to use numbers and bevel squares. I hope you find this helpful, lemme know