Hello all,
I’m installing an extruded escutcheon on a drawer, in front of a half mortise lock. I’ve learned from previous discussions on this forum and hardware sites that the best way to do this is to scribe a closely fitting mortise, file the escutcheon’s leading edge, then press it into place with a wood block and c-clamp.
Shouldn’t you also use glue, and what kind? I would think that a pressure fit would soon loosen with seasonal wood movement, causing the escutcheon to fall out.
Thx, RobK
Replies
Rob,
A press fit is all that is needed.
When you are fitting the escutcheon, hand pressure should get it almost all the way except for the last 1/8". Then use the block and clamp. No glue needed. Besides, the hole for the escutcheon is all endgrain pretty much so the wood would probably just soak up the glue anyway.
J.P.
Rob,
I have installed hundreds of escutcheons without glue as Jp has described.
I have also seen many on antique furniture also installed without glue.C.
Rob,
As the two other post-ers have indicated, most often the old ones are a press fit. I usually inlay the escs first, then drill the keyhole, and inlet the lock. Get a more secure job that way, I feel. I measure the o.d. of the round top portion, and using a brace and bit, drill a recess for that section. Locate the esc over the hole, scribe aound the lower portion, and drill out the bulk of the remainder, with an auger bit of the appropriate size. Then using small chisel, and carving gouge, cut to the scribed line. Glue is helpful for filling gaps, if nothing else. I like to leave them slightly proud of the surface of the drawer front, and scrape and/or sand flush.
Some suppliers (Ball and Ball, I believe, maybe others) sell thread escutcheons that are drilled top and bottom, for a tiny sprig (nail) which may be driven after the esc. is set, to hold it in place. If you drill yours with a 1/ 16" or slightly smaller (numbered) bit, you can use a couple small brads on yours too, if you want. For sure, it is easy to snag these and pop them out with the tip of a key. I've replaced many of these in old pieces that have been lost over the years.
Regards,
Ray Pine
Thanks all; I tried it last night and the press fit works great. We'll see how it holds up over time.
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