Hi,
Well I’ve looked high and low on the best way to cut my porch railings to my fluted columns, and hopefully match their original profiles/locations. My neighbors who still have their original railings have the the bottom railing attached just above the plinth to the torus(see I have been reading other posts) and then to the column just above it. I’m not a carpenter(or I wouldn’t be asking this right?) but I’m thinking someone here has some insight on this. I’ve already replaced both the floor and the columns with exact matches and this is the only process that I can see will be much more difficult than the rest has been.
Thanks,
Rich
Replies
I attach bottom rail immediately above the torus to the column itself.
to make the cut to fit ( see attached - they are round column, not fluted but same general idea) the curve, I prop a scrap same size as railing in place just touching the column. I make up a sheet metal bent in a C-channel shape to slip over the rail and slide it to touch the column, then I scribe it and cut it. Cardboard would probably work about as well and be easier to use. I have some thick mylar film that would do the job too, except for bending itat the edge tomaintain alignment...
Basicly, what I am doing is making a pattern for the cut. With round columns, one ortwo is enough, but with fluted, you might need a different pattern for each column.
Then I use the pattern to transfer the cut outline to the actual railing piece and cut it out with a good sharp jigsaw, take measurements from a point I choose, and repeat the process at the other end, then install the rail. I do the ballusters after fitting the rails.
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