Replies

1. 
   RickL | Mar 07, 2004 07:20pm | #1

   Don't have the catalog handy but there is a router bit for gluing up segments. There's a couple of versions depending on how many segments you are using. There's also a router bit set that has a convex and concave bit for gluing up segments like a barrel or hot tub that would work. You might also look at the band clamps Penn State was selling. They used regular steel strapping. Nice because they don't flop around like the nylon ones. I knew a guy who set up a column making business some years ago and he used a profile like the first set of bits I mentioned with chain clamps to glue the columns and these were full size columns up to 20 feet long. Can't recall which catalog off hand but it's CMT, Whitside or one of the typical advertisers you'd find in FWW. I keep a copy of each in my office but it's my day off.

1. 
   MrJeff | Mar 09, 2004 12:31am | #9

   Thanks for the info I found somthing like you are talking about at;

     http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=45160&category=1,46168,46174&ccurrency=2&SID=

   This birdsmouth router bit is used for this porpose.

   I may also give it a try.

   Thanks.

   Jeff

1. 
   RickL | Mar 09, 2004 01:40am | #10

   That's the bit I was thinking of and the profile is similar to what the column maker was using. Definitely do the glue-up in one shot. He used to turn the columns on a low speed lathe using a router to do the cutting. He was pretty good at it and his main thing on columns was he understood the proper order of such things as Doric and Ionic so they were historically accurate.  He used special chain clamps he custom made and a ratchet and or impact wrench to tighten them.

2. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 07, 2004 08:01pm | #2

   I take it all back. My solution was needless complicated.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/8/2004 3:58:12 PM ET by Uncle Dunc

3. 
   RMillard | Mar 07, 2004 09:57pm | #3

   The strap type clamps are what I use to glue up columns. Start by making a full size layout, showing the angles and width of the staves. Plane your staves and clamp them up and see if there are any gaps, and carefully adjust the angles to get a perfect fit. Usually you will only have to adjust one pair of staves, unless your selected angles were way off. With small staves, I clamp a jointer plane in the vise, sole up and do this by eye, moving the stave over the plane ( like an old time cooper). On larger staves, I will use my Stanley edge guide to maintain a precise angle. The strap clamps will apply pressure all around and the pieces will align themselves, although it would help to have an extra set of hands to get thing started. When working alone, I usually lay out strips of wide masking tape sticky side up, lay the staves on these strips of tape, then roll the staves into a column, and apply the strap clamps.

   Rob Millard

1. 
   MrJeff | Mar 08, 2004 04:27pm | #4

   Thanks for the info,  I made a small practice column about 8" long with 8 sides, each 3.75" wide with 22-1/2 degree bevel.  The upside down tape method worked like a charm.  The pieces stayed together and the joints aligned as they should as I rolled them up.  I see it will be a little more difficult on a larger scale but plan on having some help.  Thanks again and best regards.

   Jeff

   Edited 3/8/2004 2:21:19 PM ET by Jeff99

1. 
   patternmaker | Mar 08, 2004 09:42pm | #5

   I must have played the 'Rip Van Winkle'

   Has the math that I used to know changed that much while I was asleep?

   Work safely ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

1. 
   MrJeff | Mar 08, 2004 10:17pm | #6

   Eight sides (8) Not  ten (10)...sorry I confused you Rip.  Why would you reply to that and not the real issue anyway?????

1. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 08, 2004 10:26pm | #7

   Because I know more about triangles than I know about gluing up coopered cylinders?

4. 
   quatersawn | Mar 08, 2004 11:36pm | #8

   Hi Jeff, I have glued up many columns and have found the tape method to work real well, however, I would use duct tape instead, especially for larger ones. Also, Pony makes a very large 2" wide cloth clamp with a pipe clamp type of handle on it. They are pricey, about $75 each. I have three that I use on my columns. Another thing to consider is making sure your bottoms are level and and your sides plumb. They are very hard to true up once it is glued up. Use white glue, it gives you a little more time to play. In lieu of store bought clamps you can use the tourniquet method with any strong material that won't stick to the glue too much.

5. 
   quatersawn | Mar 09, 2004 08:40pm | #11

   It was a Jorgensen, not Pony, and It is listed on Woodworkers Supply web site, unfortunatley it is $99.00. Those bits look pretty nice too, I think I'll try one as well. I too shape mine on a slow speed lathe with a router, it's called a Legacy Mill. They are the best!!!