Replies

1. 
   rez | Oct 14, 2006 02:08am | #1

   Greetings ned,

   This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.

   Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.

   Cheers

    

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin Laminate is just a picture of hardwood printed on countertop for your floor.We can imagine something that only exists in our heads, in a form that has no measurable, tangible reality, and make it actually occur in the real world.  Where there was nothing, now there is something.
   Forrest - makin' magic every day

2. 
   Matt | Oct 14, 2006 03:21am | #2

   Consider this just a bump too, and not trying to be a smart adz, but wouldn't you just make something like that?  For that matter, if the columns could be fastened at the top and the bottom, why do they need to be secured to the columns at all?  Or, if for example the bottom of the column is sitting on concrete, why not just put some shim blocks inside the column wraps to make the wraps fit snugly around the steel posts?  To go 1 step further, some construction adhesive between the blocks and the steel columns would really firm things up.

1. 
   ned44 | Oct 17, 2006 12:36am | #10

   thanks for the reply. the posts are just a bit under 7 ft. I suppose I could do that. I considered it but thought some intermediate supports would help out. cutting blocks out of lumber or ply (lumber core I think best)would work but the time saved for this project was my priority. several other things going on. if you were to cut support blocks out of something what would you use? there will be condensation inside the columns so whatever I use should withstand moisture. another erason for the plastic thingys.

1. 
   Nato | Oct 17, 2006 02:59am | #11

   McFeelys.com has them.

3. 
   IdahoDon | Oct 14, 2006 03:44am | #3

   Typically it's easier to use a Ramset to attach wooden blocks to the metal, which the wrap material is then nailed or screwed to.  Most rental shops can help identify what kind of nails and loads are required for the thickness of metal in your situation.

    

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

4. 
   Tomrocks21212 | Oct 14, 2006 04:27pm | #4

   A few years ago, a contributor to either FHB or JLC described building a box around columns, then squirting in some expanding foam to secure everything. I've tried it a couple of times, works well.
   Saw a column wrap at Home Cheapo a week or two ago, looks like a tambour rolltop desk lid, a bunch of prefinished oak slats glued to a flexible backing sheet. A saw to cut it to length, and some construction glue to hold it. Looked kind of nice, if blended in with the finishes in the room.

1. 
   ned44 | Oct 14, 2006 09:14pm | #5

   thanks for the reply. I'll check out the tambour type columns. the foam may be what I end up using. quite a creative idea. however, the thing I'm looking for is real and creates the perfect substructure for round columns. again it looks like a square with a hole cut in it. it hinges so you can open it and put it on the post, then align the little buggers and install the finish wrap. they are plasticand are thick enough/stout enough? to hold a screw or nail.

1. 
   Tomrocks21212 | Oct 14, 2006 10:02pm | #6

   So why can't you use a hole saw (or q jigsaw, for that matter) to cut holes in some squares of 1x? Even if you can't borrow one and have to buy it, it'd have to be cheaper than some manufactured item. Just cut a square a hair under the inside dimension of your finished column, mark the center along the diagonals, and install it with some construction adhesive as you set your finish trim.

2. 
   woodguy99 | Oct 16, 2006 01:31am | #7

   Tom, I've used the gizmo you're talking about, it's not a figment of your imagination.  They weren't cheap, maybe $10 each, but worked as advertised.  Unfortunately I can't recall the name and a google search didn't turn anything up. 

   Like the others have said though you could make something similar from a scrap of plywood and a hole saw.  First drill out the hole, then cut the plywood in half through the hole. 

1. 
   ned44 | Oct 16, 2006 07:00pm | #8

   thanks for the reply. I've thought of the plywood/2x bd. idea. hardwood will work best. the gizmos I'm looking for are practical, a time saver, and consistently uniform.

5. 
   theatredw | Oct 16, 2006 08:43pm | #9

   Ned44

   You could cut two squares out of 3/4 ply and drill a hole a little larger than the diameter of the column. After drilling the hole cut the squares in half. Fit the half squares around the column. Use construction adhesive to secure it to the floor. Lay the second half squares on top of lower square with the spilt running perpendicular to lower one. Secure the top square with screws and glue. I hope this helps

   dw