gothic arch window construction

NicholasH | Posted in Joinery on April 28, 2004 02:14am

Hi all…I’m new here and I have questions.
I have been approached by a stained glass artist to collaborate on the construction of 2 gothic arch windows each measuring 5′ 4″ wide by 10′ 10″ high.My part of the collaboration would be the wood frames and interior muntins.I am considering white oak as a suitable wood,finished 2″ thick by 4″ wide.The arch section of the window is 50″ high;I have calculated that I could actually cut the curved frame sections from 12″ wide boards in single pieces.
Does anybody out there have ideas or information about suitable joinery and techniques for such an undertaking?
All thoughts would be appreciated.

Replies

Crunk | Apr 28, 2004 02:52am | #1
Get the book Circular Work in Carpentry and Joinery. It has what you need.

krumy | Apr 30, 2004 03:19am | #3
One of the best books I've ever used for a reference!

krumy

Crunk | Apr 30, 2004 06:54pm | #4
It's a dandy.

jackplane | Apr 29, 2004 03:58pm | #2
You could steam-bend the oak for the curve,it's one of the best woods for this.Or you could glue up several sections. If it's paint-grade, you could kerf cut the oak to get the desired bend. Whichever method you choose, try to avoid areas of short grain,where the wood is weakest. You'll also need cope and stick bits for the muntins or at the least, half lap joints. If you're unfamiliar with these terms, it's time to read up on joinery.

fdampier5 | May 01, 2004 02:25am | #5
I'd tend toward steam bending. It's actually butt simple to do and you don't wind up with the problems found with either sawn wood or glued wood layups.. there is a certan elegance in the shape of a steam bent arch that cannot be duplicated any other way..