Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Oct 15, 2008 02:47am | #1

   To get your spacing, you need to know how many slats you intend to use. This can be as simple as drawing it out either to scale or in full size on a piece of plywood or something. Multiply the number of slats times the width of each slat. Subtract that number from the total space to fill. Divide that number by the number of spaces, which is typically one more than the number of slats. This will give you the space between each slat, including a space at each end.

   As an example, lets say you like the look of ten slats, 10 x 1.5" = 15". If your space is 27", 27"-15" = 12", 12" ÷ 11 spaces = 1.09".

   If you were only using three or four slats, a slat in the center vs a space in the center, will make a visual difference. With multiple slats, I don't think it will make any difference unless your mind has been swayed to look for it. It's simple enough to try a few layouts and pick what looks best to you.

   You can cut some spacer blocks to help with installing the slats. If your measure is not cut accurately, the mistake will be multiplied by the number of spaces. 1/64" is hardly noticeable but multiply that times 12 spaces and the last space will be off 3/16". It's not that easy, a few of us have fudged a space or two, from time to time.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 15, 2008 02:58am | #2

   I'd suggest that the number of slats depends on both the dimensions of the opening and the scale of the overall piece. Add to that the actual function to be performed by the slats (e.g. what is being held in, or kept out, which affects minimum/maximum spacing). Thus, I'd do a drawing of the piece, and then try different numbers of slats on the drawing to find what seems most pleasing to you.

3. 
   Cincinnati | Oct 15, 2008 05:00pm | #3

   With no space between , You need 18 slats. Think of the periodic pattern as a slat plus a space. You'd have 17 periods plus one fixed slat on the end for 18 slats.

   Not counting the fixed slat at the end, you have 17 periods in 25.5 inches (27-1.5=25.5).

   For every slat you remove, you have and extra 1.5 inches of space.

   17 slats + 0.0 total space
   16 slats + 1.5 total space
   15 slats + 3.0 total space
   14 slats + 4.5 total space
   13 slats + 6.0 total space
   12 slats + 7.5 total space
   11 slats + 9.0 total space
   10 slats + 10.5 total space
   9 slats + 12.0 total space
   8 slats + 13.5 total space
   7 slats + 15.0 total space
   6 slats + 16.5 total space
   5 slats + 18.0 total space

   Divide the total space by the number of slats and you'll have the spacing between each slat. (Remember, adding the additional slat brings it to 27" wide and assures you begin and end with a slat.)

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35

1. 
   atoma | Oct 15, 2008 05:58pm | #4

   Thank you all for your valuable input. I knew I'd have good feedback in this forum. Wish me good luck with my math :-)ATOMA

1. 
   coolbeans | Oct 16, 2008 02:16am | #5

   just a reminder, u get a better look with no slat against ur side an if u happened as we all have,not quite got every single thing dead on, u have a small fudge factor there, fooling the eye as the saying goes