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Hello all, I am wanting to build a 8'x16' oval with elliptical radius;s at each end im not sure on how to go about this. I've seen jay birds oval track and that is what i want for my track, so what im asking is what type of jig and what are the steps to go about achieving this. I have built a slotcar track that is routed before so i have some experience in track building, any advice would be helpful. thanks Tim

I have only done this using the old stand by lexan strip method like Luf offers.

how do you think a total elliptical would flow. Im just trying to think outside the box maybe a 3/4 one with a straight. never really race much oval but i had fun when i did it would be a 4 lane braided track.

Well I can't answer that one as I have not really raced on one.

I would get your thoughts down on paper. Come up with a couple of designs and I am sure the guys here will help as much as they can.

I think it all depends on the radius of the tightest part of the ellipse. As has been said it is the flow that is important. If the inside of the eclipse is too tight the inside lane has a disadvantage. Unless you make the lanes asymmetrical and put a tight spot in the outside lane at one corner etc.or a radius on a straight.

Thanks for all the replies, im in the planning stage gonna draw up a few diff, designs. will post when get some ideas on paper. I will be doing this one outside when the weather changes, so i have some time. I routed my last track inside in the basement never again. Thanks again, Tim

You can also use a pin jig on the router to make an elliptical turn. I've done that in the past with excellent results.

thanks Kemtronracer, i will have to research that, jay bird was using a jig with some rollers attached. If someone has a pic they would post to give me some idea how to make that would be a start. Like i said im looking at a 8' x 16' with good transition.

Here's a couple of pics of a roller jig for routing the outside slot:



The out side edge of the track is cut using a regular radius, but since the rollers are spread out, the router will gradually move inward, creating somewhat of an elliptical effect. When the trailing roller meets the curve, the router will cut parallel to the outer edge until the leading roller gets to the next straight.

Here's a pin jig for routing the remaining slots (always work from the outside in):


The pins in this jig are relatively close together to maintain a consistent lane spacing. If the pins are spread further apart, each subsequent lane will gain more of an elliptical shape and will also gain more lane spacing in the middle of the turn.

I hope this helps.