Replies

1. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Sep 11, 2002 08:35pm | #1

   Sorry Frank, I can't resist.  The terminology you are using is Greek to me!  (BOOO --- HISS). 

   Try rephrasing it in a way we mortals can understand, PLEASE!

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 12, 2002 01:35am | #2

   I think the word in ancient Greek architecture is metopes, not menoties.  Dunno if that helps you find modern molding.  

1. 
   Biscardi | Sep 12, 2002 05:33am | #3

   Actually Minator Tees are things that bullish men play golf off of.

   Sorry

   Actually, I gave up and took it to a buddy of mine who is a professional cabinet maker. There is just too much stuff going on and I'm stressed out. I don't mind giving a pro some work.

   Frank

   Edited 9/11/2002 11:07:50 PM ET by BISCARDI

1. 
   TheHousewright | Sep 12, 2002 01:54pm | #4

   I have done a fair amount of classical construction, scale is the most important thing to keep in mind here if you want your house to look correct.  Disproportionate details attempting to embellish a classic structure look ridiculous.

   I suggest you get two books, The American Vignola by William Ware, the rules of proportion are presented in an easy to understand and apply way.  Another good book is Classical Architecture by Robert Adam, he has a chapter that deals with subtractive design......the designer maintains the rules of proportion but eliminates some of the detail, effectively retaining the style and keeping the cost down.

   I have done several jobs where we have built  entablatures, cornices and the like using simple flat and beveled stock that was correctly proportioned.  The effect is striking, all the shadows and proportion are there, yet the construction is simplified.

   The Doric order has many subtle rules that you will want to follow, the size, location of each element is dependent on all the other elements.  It is really much more than just applying ornament to an already proportioned house.  Unless you have an unlimited budget you will probably want to simplify some of the detail, but retain the proportion.

   Mike P

1. 
   Biscardi | Sep 12, 2002 06:51pm | #5

   Mike,

   I agree completely. You can not futz around with the rules that govern the dimensions of columns and there associated entabulatures, cornices, mouldings etc. If you look in the front of Chippendale's book he gives all those rules and defines the module (1/50th the max diameter of the column). On his drawings of the different components of the orders he shows numbers along each subcomponent. These are multiples of the modules. It seems formulaic and rigid and it is. There is a reason why these things look good or not (which I admit is beyond me). This is a wonderful source for anyone who needs to incorporate or use these architectural components.

   Frank

   PS I think that alot of the science of the proportioning of furniture pieces can be derived from the columns. There is a discussion about this in Making Period Furniture by the Taunton Press

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 13, 2002 05:24am | #6

   Frank and Mike are right in that it was figured out a long time ago how to turn scale and proportion into elements that are pleasing to the eye. The Greeks incorportated this philosophy into their religion. If you have any interest in doing this in plaster rather then wood which is how it has been done for many, many years, I can give you some names. It will also be much less then $27 a foot and they will produce molds from your prints. If your leary of this, I think you'll find the references impressive.

   Check this site out:

   http://www.buffaloplastering.com/

   Give a call and ask for Gary and talk to him about what you need. A call can't hurt.

   Don

   Edited 9/12/2002 10:26:21 PM ET by Don C.

2. 
   Biscardi | Sep 15, 2002 02:17pm | #7

   Don,

   Grandfather was a plasterer. He used to make cornices and mouldings out of plaster. I remember him cutting out specialized forms with tin snips at his bench.

   Also, I live near Monticello and you can see all these cool cornices and friezes made of horsehair/plaster/glue mixes.

   I have a freind who is a pro cabinet maker so I sent him the work.

   Thanks

   Frank

3. 
   riverr1 | Sep 15, 2002 07:56pm | #8

   Frank,

   Glad to hear that you found someone to do the job for you. What you described is mostly what my job is, but I do strictly interior work which is why I suggested Gary. You are fortunate to live in an area with such old architecture to see. IMO, it really puts a great perspective on what we do today and the changes that have come about. Monticello is an awesome place.

   Don