Trimming corners of wood columns

henryh | Posted in Finishing on June 19, 2005 07:16am

Within the last 12 months I browsed a few magazines at my local home center and in one noticed an article describing the use of a router and jig to remove the edge from the four corners of square, solid wood porch columns. I now want to do just that on some 8×8 porch columns, but I cannot find the article. Anyone know in what magazine and issue I saw the article?

Replies

nikkiwood | Jun 19, 2005 07:32pm | #1
Why would you need a special jig for his purpose?

I guess I am not grasping what it is you are trying to do.

********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)

henryh | Jun 20, 2005 05:01am | #6
I'd like to put a one or two inch flat on each corner edge starting several inches from the top of each corner and running to several inches above the bottom- sort of forming an octagonal column (where the face flats are somewhat wider then the corner flats.

nikkiwood | Jun 20, 2005 05:54am | #7
A camfer bit with a guid bearing is what I was think about, but a 1" camfer is probably about as wide (a bit) as you're going to find. Have you investigated how these columns are constructed? Typically, the outer boards (which you are proposing to cut) are only 3/4" thick, and too wide a camfer might cut through them (on the corners) , leaving a space you will have to contend with. Also, unless there is an interior post, and the outer boards are just sheathing this post, you might start to muck up the structural integrity of the post.********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)

WillGeorge | Jun 19, 2005 10:04pm | #2
four corners of square...

And ya want .. 8x8 porch columns.. I double or half the dimensions! However ya think...
rob26 | Jun 20, 2005 02:20am | #3
How about a router with a chamfer bit?
douglas2cats | Jun 20, 2005 03:46am | #4
If your just trying to take the sharp corners off, then I second Rob26's suggestion to just get a chamfer bit (or maybe a large roundover bit) and have at it. With an 8" wide surface to support the router, you shouldn't need a special jig. Unless you're talking about converting the square into an octagon ??

Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?
Curtis | Jun 20, 2005 03:57am | #5
Hello

Legacy Oramental mill has a mag. that has talked about turning large columns in the past.

there are others on the web who make turnings,Perhaps you can check out Turning around. http://www.turningaround.org/

Arts web site talks all about different turnings as well as how to contact people who can help you.

Good luck on your quest! ;-)

C.A.G.