Archtop Window Casing Photo Mini-blog
Trimmed some interesting windows today and took a few process pics.
First a finished palladian wall photo.
I start by preping the opening and drawing layout lines. I hold the arched casing up over the layout lines and mark the miters on the casing. Then on a work table I mock up the relationships with the entire trim set, checking angles and miter lengths, etc.
Then I cut and dryfit the assembly on the table. If all the pieces fit, I slot all the miters for biscuits. and install the trim around the window.
For the entry door, during the mockup, I put the level accross and checked the casing legs for squareness to the level and made sure they were parallel to each other.
I spent more time checking things and working on the table, to avoid climbing up and down the scaffolding too many times.
Replies
Nice.
How did you acquire the curved casing?
Thanks,The builder ordered it, I'll ask what his source is.I did have to increase the radius on 3 of 4 (they must have over compensated for spring back). The top of the curves was about a 1/4" high when the ends met at the miters.Not too bad though.
i'm not sure what it IS called but i know that's not a palladian window.
There appears to be a wide variety of windows given the palladian label and definitions vary from one source to the next.Here is one definition:--"A Palladian window is a large window which is divided into three parts. The center section is larger than the two side sections, and is usually arched."http://architecture.about.com/library/blgloss-palladian.htmMy use of the term is of convenience (a brief caption for a photo).A purist might only accept a tripartite window with columns between the windows and barrel vault over the center window.
That's some nice looking work. What is the trim? Maple? I've wished on a few jobs that someone would ante up the coin to have trim milled like that.....Too many rubber williamsburg casings to remember.
Jobs like that are what I always point to when someone makes the comment, " Anybody can frame, it's not that hard." Hope the framer had all your windows lined up dead nut, plumb and level....nothing like windows ganged together and off just enough so the finish guy has to be a magician to get his reveals right.
nice job
Bing
Edited 5/7/2008 5:45 pm ET by Bing187
Thanks Bing,The trim is soft maple (Silver maple) and will be painted in place. It is nice trim to work with.One of the six windows is tilted about a 1/4"...but I'm not tellin' which one. ;o)The framers were in over their heads on this house IMO (but I wouldn't want to frame it).
Thanks for taking the time to show these windows
Very impressive!
.
You are very welcome, glad you liked the pics. Trimming windows like these take me twice as long as a normal window (partly due to the climbing up and down and due to the extra complexity). I thought a few people might get something out of the approach I use.I have run into jobs where the builder provides rosettes to avoid cutting acute angles, I talk them out of that.Here is a medium sized photo of the first pic (I have other pics too--like how to safely cut curved casing, etc.--if anyone is interested):
Yeah I'd be interested in a new approach to curved casing cuts.
I've made several curved artist canvas's and found securing the
board for the cut awkward to say the least.
I don't do anything too special. Ridgid flip stands are the best auxillary support I have found for this kind of thing. I also try to make the curve touch the inside corners of the saw fence, on both sides of the blade and then shim where the casing curves away from the fence.I also cut rather slowly and as smoothly as possible. Oh and try not to sneeze. ;o)
That's pretty much what I came up with.
The shims along the fence are a good idea.
The throat opening on the saw is my fly in the ointment.
Duh, as I wrote that it occurred to me to make an auxiliary fence with
a tighter clearance. Also this is one of those times when a laser is very helpful.
Edited 5/7/2008 6:42 pm ET by Henley
That looks like it's right<G> The framers may have been in over their heads, but at least they got the windows spaced well enough that the radius looks like it flows instead of tumbling. Nice job. If dogs run free, then what must be,
Must be, and that is all.
True love can make a blade of grass
Stand up straight and tall.
In harmony with the cosmic sea,
True love needs no company,
It can cure the soul, it can make it whole,
If dogs run free.
Glad you like it.To be fair, I think the window that is tilted a bit, was tilted to keep the radius "flowing." You can't have everything, but the framers did a respectable job on these windows.