Tools & layout gear
You don’t need a commercial shop. A solid jigsaw, clamps, a hole saw, a staple gun, and careful layout tools will carry the build. Some links are affiliate links.
Cutting & sanding
Arcs, raceway, cup openings, and raceway prep.
DEWALT Corded Jigsaw (DW331K)
Primary tool for outer/inner rail arcs and the raceway cut. Variable speed helps on long curves.
Fine-Tooth Wood Jigsaw Blades
Fine wood blades for cleaner arc cuts. Swap when the blade heats up or wanders.
2-7/8" Hole Saw with Arbor
Matches common stainless drop-in cups. Keep the drill plumb for a level cup.
Random-Orbit Sander
Speeds up raceway sanding before varnish. Keep it moving so you don’t burn through veneer.
Measuring & marking
Step 1 starts here—compass arcs, squares, and clean marks.
25 ft Tape Measure
For radii, 8" raceway inset, and cup-holder spacing around the oval.
Carpenter Pencils (Pack)
Flat pencils stay put on plywood and mark clean compass arcs.
Swanson Speed Square
Quick square for marking and checking straight sections of the oval layout.
48" Drywall T-Square
Long straightedge for sheet layout and transferring lines across 4×8 plywood.
Assembly & upholstery
Glue-up, hardware, cloth, and vinyl wrap.
Bar / Quick-Grip Clamps (Set)
Borrow or buy as many as you can—ten clamps around an 8-foot oval is not overkill.
Cordless Drill / Driver
Pilot holes, T-nut install, cup-holder hole saw, and driving screws.
Arrow T50 Heavy-Duty Staple Gun
For stretching speed cloth and vinyl under the rail. Use with T50 staples.
Utility Knife / Snap-Off Blades
Trim foam and excess cloth/vinyl cleanly. Fresh blades leave cleaner edges.
Optional but helpful
- • Extra jigsaw blades — hot blades wander on long arcs
- • Scrap wood for a simple compass / pivot jig
- • A second set of hands for the inside vinyl wrap
- • Shop vacuum or brush for dust between varnish coats