Hello Knotheads,
I recently was approached by the local funeral director to design and build a register book stand. He wanted something with a substantial base and some classical styling. We settled on a design that incorporates a square fluted column and a built up base. My plan was to make the column (actually the entire piece) from cherry. The base will be approximately 13 – 14 inches square and built up with mouldings around the column. My question is, do you think I will have issues with the mitered mouldings, on the base, separating at the miter joints as the 5-6 inch column expands and contracts? My plan would be to use quarter sawn cherry for the column.
Bob, Tupper Lake, NY
Replies
Bob,
Theoretically but it isn't likely to be a major problem. The column, in quarter sawn, will expand and contract around 1/16"seasonally. If you build it now, which should be the dry time of the year in Tupper Lake, just leave a bit of wiggle room between the column sides and the molding.
If you want to be fancy, run a rabbet around the sides of the base and tuck the slightly loose fit mitered molding under the overhang to hide the gap.
John White
Thanks John, I had thought about the rabbet but I was'nt sure if that was taking this to extremes for such a narrow column.
Bob, Tupper lake, NY
It would be state of the art, whether or not it makes senserfor a commercial job is certainly a debatable point, but you did ask.
John W.
run a rabbet around the sides of the base and tuck the slightly loose fit mitered molding under the overhang to hide the gap
I think that's the way to go. Make sure you address the finishing issues if necessary to keep a line of bare wood from showing should the column later contract.
Good point Sam. Thanks.
Bob, Tupper Lake, NY
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