Replies

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Nov 13, 1999 09:17am | #1

   *
   Are you trying to say that you have a half circle at the top of a pair of stiles, and that you are essentially forming an inverted U? Further, that there is a join in the centre of the half circle that means you are forming the half circle out of two quarter circles, and that the join of the two quarter circles is drifting out of line when you apply band cramp pressure?

   If I've read it right, then you could possibly make an internal pattern out of chip board that is the same as, and supports the inside curve of the framework whilst you suck it up with band cramps. Also, you can temporarily glue on blocks to the outside of the frame so as to present good parallel cramping faces. Cut off the temp. blocks after it's all glued up.

   I don't know if any of this helps. Maybe it does.

1. 
   Major_H._Patterson | Jun 29, 2000 01:53pm | #2

   *Mark---I hope that you are not still waiting for replies.If I read you correctly,your mirror frame will have these parts.A curved top section,two vertical sides, plus a bottom rail.The bottom joints on the sides and the bottom rail will be mitered.the joints between curved top and the side members will be butted.Some kind of reinforcement will be required.Depending on the size of the parts,this might be: dowels,biscuits, or routed loose tenons.Now to the half circle top.This is best made as a segmented assembly.Duck soup for an auld patternmaker.I would dry fit all the parts,precision will be rewarded.Place all parts on a piece of sheet stock and tack blocks at all joining points around the outside.Especially where the curved top meets the vertical sides.If the joints fit,a light pressure from some small wedges will squeeeeze the glue out.Don`t forget to use some strips of plastic tape under the joints to prevent sticking.I always route the glass rabbet and the decorative mouldings on the outside after all the cleanup has been completed.Don`t forget to square up the bottom corners of the glass rabbet with a chisel.PAT