How can I make a very shallow straight grove in a long piece of pine??

Hi Corinne,

Here are 3 ways to do this:

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Grooves-in-Wood

Hi Corinne personally I would use my table saw. I would lower the blade to the depth of the groove I want and simply run my piece of wood over it. Do you have a local lumber yard near you? Mine has always been great about doing cuts for me if I don't have the tools at home to do it myself.

If you have a router, that would be the best way. You can set it for a shallow depth.

If not, you could try a skill saw and adjust so the blade is barely below the guard.

Possibly, you can hand carve but that seems rather difficult unless you are using soft wood and not very many grooves. Consistency is going to be an issue but it will also render a hand made look. So I guess it depends on the tools you have available or are willing to purchase along with the final outcome you desire.

here is info for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwBiQL1Nag

Another vote for a router but if you don't want to use a router then a hand saw, chisel out the groove and sand smooth. Depends on what you have on hand, the size of the groove needed and how much time you want to put into this. But a router is your best since they have so many different attachements for different results.

Have to admit when I first read this I thought at first glance you wanted to know how to make a shallow grave. LOL

A router would be the easiest. If you don't own one, see if you can borrow or rent one.

I would use one of my v-shaped wood cutting tools and a long steel ruler to run it along for control. You could also use a router with a bit the depth and width you want, and could clamp a fairly straight board to act as your control.

Yes! I definitely suggest to make use of a router. As this would be the easiest one to use. Or you do not have any, you can try to borrow or rent if there is available.

I would use my router, router table, or table saw. I also have used a drill and drill bit then a chisel. Mark where you want the groove. Use a drill bit the width of the groove. If you want a 1/2" groove use a 1/2" bit. Use a piece of tape on the bit the depth of the groove. Slowly and carefully drill holes along where you want the groove. Drill the holes as close to each other as you can. Then use a chisel to clean up the groove. Another but long and tedious way is to draw the lines for the groove. Then use a chisel on the lines to the depth you want. Once the lines are chiseled use a chisel the width of groove and plow out the wood for the groove.

https://sawshub.com/how-to-cut-groove-wood-with-drill/

I started a project but got stuck on how to finish it without having a tool that specifically does what I need. Thank you so much for your explanation! I believe I can finish it now in time for Christmas.

This is my first time using this site. It is so very nice of all of you to take your time to answer my question.

I have a compact circular saw and have used it for that, just adjusting the blade depth.

Ho Corinne, the easiest way to make a groove is to use a router if you have one or know of someone who does. Alternatively here are a few more ways (some easy, some not so much) that can help - http://theplywood.com/cut-groove-or-channel-without-router

I agree with using the table saw and a shallow blade depth. A router with a narrow bit and an edge guide could also be used. Hope this helps!

Draw a two pencil lines and use a saw to cut the lines in the timber, then use a chissle to gouge out the wood. Or buy a Routa

If you do not have a router or table saw you can try a dremel.

Hi Corrine, hope these ideas help you out,

https://housegrail.com/routing-wood-without-router/

Yes a router would be the perfect choice.

I use a small saw

Use a router. Many different size and shapes of bits available

Carve it out with a screw driver or knife

You can use it by Router easily. But if you don't have, read this, please

https://woodnami.com/how-to-round-wood-edges-without-router/