Replies

1. 
   r_ignacki | Jun 18, 2003 01:58am | #1

   how do you make the ones with the little designs on them, you know what I mean ?, not dentil crown , but the stuff with the wreaths and grapevine type stuff
1. 
   steve | Jun 18, 2003 05:00am | #4

   highly paid and motivated termites with a map, actually most are stamped

2. 
   bill_1010 | Jun 18, 2003 07:36pm | #11

   its embossed aka stamped/rolled.   If you had the money im sure you could crank up the ole CNC machine.

2. 
   RalphWicklund | Jun 18, 2003 03:20am | #2

   What's a Molding GEEK? Is he one of us? Or a manufacturer? Can't properly dump on a guy if we don't know him,<G>

   I'm a GC in wonderful, sunny Florida.

   Anyhow......... When I select moulding I'm wondering if, when it's cut and matched, will it really match from stick to stick. Too often the stock won't match and that slows the job down, requires an extra step and could end up causing waste. All this from what appears to be the same mill run (but probably isn't).

   Speaking of waste. What's with this clear stock that turns into a pretzel just about the time you're ready to cut it. As well as the lengthwise splits that make most of a stick unusable. And fingerjoint stock. Is there a special formula that predicts the positioning of a really bad piece in the middle of a stick, right where you can least afford to cut around? Can we address quality control?

   I think there have already been a number of articles detailing applications but it would be interesting to see more creative ideas (that I could steal) as well. There must be some built-ups that use common stock that a lot of us haven't seen or thought of (yet). In another discussion (about the HOUSES issues, I think) one of the posters said that was one of the reasons he liked those issues - so he could garner ideas.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jun 18, 2003 04:57am | #3

   I am a part time remodeling contractor in KY.

   Ditto all of Ralphs' post.

   I have to special order poplar moldings to get decent paint grade . F/J stuff telegraph through so bad anymore, I won't even qoute on it.

   Dave

3. 
   Dinosaur | Jun 18, 2003 05:02am | #5

   How about info on what kind of moulding cutting machinery is out there within the range of a non-factory application--HD routers, shapers, moulding heads for table saws; also suppliers of bits and knives for above; I'd also like to see something on production of specialty stuff like curved mouldings. Maybe photos of some good jig ideas.

   If you can get ahold of an old Delta publication from the 1950s called Getting the Most from your Table Saw and Jointer, you'll see a section on how to create non-linear moulds using only a standard 8" saw blade; there's another on how to use the moulding head and the knives that were available then (maybe still are).

   I run a small design/build/renovate/repair operation specializing in chalets and second homes.

   Dinosaur

   'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

4. 
   BossHog | Jun 18, 2003 03:23pm | #6

   It might help a bit if you tell us YOUR perspective.

   Are you a trim installer? Or a molding supplier? What unique experience/perspective do you have that makes it worth our time to read your article?

   You can always tell a Harvard man, but you can't tell him much.

1. 
   DanMorrison | Jun 18, 2003 04:29pm | #7

   Ok, I guess I should be a little more specific.

   Ralf: Yes, he's one of us. Regular guy, worn out carhart jacket, scuffed up shoes. He just has a thing for moldings. He's a self described freak. I didn't mean to dump on him. He wrote a book called Historic Millwork: A Guide to Restoring and Re-creating Doors, Windows, and Moldings of the Late Nineteenth through Mid-Twentieth Centurieshttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0471416223/qid=1055941571/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/002-0557377-9576827?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

   Boss Hog: I'm none of the above, I'm an editor. I used to be a remodeler/cabinetmaker. 

   The directions we've gone so far have been:

   How to use Stock Moldings Effectively -- The greeks didn't invent good proportions, they just recognized it. Look at a column to find good proportions for windows and walls, doors and other details

   Making Sense of Moldings -- Where they come from , what they do, and why it matters

   and a couple others, but I don't want to lead the discussion too much.

   It's not going to be about how to make moldings or why moldings at Home Centers are flimsey, but those may be good sidebars.

   Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor

   Edited 6/18/2003 9:29:34 AM ET by Dan Morrison

1. 
   BossHog | Jun 18, 2003 05:43pm | #8

   Thanks for the response.

   Since I'm a semi-pro redneck DIY, I would only ask that you don't get TOO involved in real high end stuff. People like me aren't likely to spend $2,000 adding a high end molding in their dining rooms.......Call me anything you want, as long as you don't call me late for dinner.

1. 
   joeh | Jun 18, 2003 05:59pm | #9

   Ron, that's why you couldn't sell the SPEC HOUSE FROM HELL.

   Cheesey Kmart crown just doesn't have the appeal that demanding buyers require.

   Joe H

   Edited 6/18/2003 1:40:41 PM ET by JoeH

1. 
   BossHog | Jun 18, 2003 08:32pm | #12

   "Ron, that's why you couldn't the SPEC HOUSE FROM HELL."

   I doubt it.

   Not sure if you're kidding around or not. I think I actually put TOO MUCH wood in it. Spent $2,000+ on a nice stained oak railling. Six panel wood doors and lots of wood trim. Even used windows with wood on the inside.

   If I'd used the cheapest vinyl windows, cheap hollow core doors, and dropped the price $20,000 I probably could have sold it.

   Seems to me it's hard to underestimate the poor taste of most homebuyers. If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married. [Katharine Hepburn]

2. 
   Erich | Jul 02, 2003 05:57pm | #14

   Dan,

   1.  Non-professional (I dig that term, it doesn't make me sound like such a loser :) ).

   2.  I'd be interested in the efficient use issue, with the hope that tricks for maintaining continuity (especially in complex moldings as Phil pointed out) might fall under that category.  Also, I would be really interested in either a focus or side-bar on using appropriate moldings for particular design styles, Colonial, Federal, Arts and Crafts, Modern, etc...  Too often people only know to ask for crown.    

        Cool of you to ask, I look forward to whatever you put out. 

                                                          Erich 

       

5. 
   PhillGiles | Jun 18, 2003 06:18pm | #10

   (from semi-retired trim carpenter)

   I'm more interested in matching/continuity techniques for the very busy moldings that have become popular. Some of the more complex moldings, especially the ornate crowns, can make really terrible looking joints because of the patterns in them even though the joint is well-made.

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

6. 
   migraine | Jun 19, 2003 02:46am | #13

   (cabinet maker, finish carpenter, plus everything else for 20+ years)

   The biggest issue that I have found is that the selection of molding at M0ST lumber/retail stores is that they don't carry enough styles and various sizes and you are always trying to build a project based on the limited choice of materials/moldings available in various hardwoods.

   Next woulkd be educating people on various type of molders available for small shops(Shapers, williams-hussey,bellsaw,etc.) and ease of grinding limited run moldings(profile grinders, stock knives,companies that will produce templates, etc.,)

   Finally would be a list of high end companies that produce period moldings and distribute nation wide(J.P.Weaver for composite/plaster-as an example, flex moldings companies,various species moldings)