Turning project: Architectural columns
I recently accepted a project to turn 3 columns for a house in Seattle that was more than 100-years old. The surviving column was of red cedar, and measured 5.5” by 5.5” by 60 inches long. Fortunately, my lathe can turn 24-inches by 66-inches long.
I contacted a local lumber dealer that specializes in red cedar and they agreed to cut some logs to the dimensions I needed…for $175.00.
I set the timber up on the lathe, located the exact center on both ends and marked the centers. On one end I screwed on a 4-inch diameter face plate using 8 screws, and used a center punch to mark the other end for a live center.
Silvia and I mounted the timber on the lathe between the spindle and the tailstock, adjusted the speed to 800 RPM (no vibration) and adjusted the tool rest.
Accuracy is critical because I am making a reproduction…so I transferred dimensions (distance and diameters) from the sample (old) column to the timber in increments . I go for one feature at a time, turning a band, bead or on ovulo as we go.
Because Cedar is a soft wood, I had to be very careful not to tear away any of the wood with an aggressive or uncontrolled cut. Even a sharp gouge left a very rough surface….arrgh!! So what to do? The best tool for this occasion was my 1 3/8” Alan Lacer skew.
Red Cedar is a very abrasive wood, which demanded frequent sharpening. Many many many checks with tape measure, 6-“ rule and calipers allowed me to create 3 reproduction columns in 9-hours.
Putting them side-by-side, any slight differences are negligible, and when installed 8-feet apart they look identical !!!
A demanding, and very satisfying project.
The customer was happy and I was happy for a difficult job that turned out well, keeping in mind that only one mistake means that the valuable wood was useless….we can’t put the wood back!!!
Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive special member offers directly to your email.
Related Posts
Boiling Madrone
Wood Sources and Preparation
936 comments
Get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots and Herbs, Get your cure today from this wonderful herbalist, Dr. ONOBUN.
You can also reach DR.ONOBUN via email: dronobunspiritualhome@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp +2348051300199 and get all your problems solved.. No problem is too big for him to solve..
I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 18 months, and ever since then i have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. ONOBUN on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which i took according .to his instructions. When i was done taking the herbal medicine i went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise i was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr. ONOBUN today on this Email address: dronobunspiritualhome@gmail.com or call / WhatsApp +2348051300199
How my boyfriend return back to me ….
Hi everyone I’m here to testify of a great and powerful spell caster called Dr Adams I was so confused and devastated when my boyfriend left me without word, I needed him back desperately because I loved him so much. So a friend of mine introduced me to this powerful spell caster who had helped her in getting her lover back, so I contacted him and he promise that in less than 48 hours he will come back to me. After I did all he asked to my greatest surprise my bf who had refuses to speak with me came to my house and asked for forgiveness for all he had made me go through and now we are living happily together, if you have any relationship problem I will advice you contact him for your testimonies. His contact details. [ adamslord85@gmail.com ]
How my boyfriend return back to me ….
Hi everyone I’m here to testify of a great and powerful spell caster called Dr Adams I was so confused and devastated when my boyfriend left me without word, I needed him back desperately because I loved him so much. So a friend of mine introduced me to this powerful spell caster who had helped her in getting her lover back, so I contacted him and he promise that in less than 48 hours he will come back to me. After I did all he asked to my greatest surprise my bf who had refuses to speak with me came to my house and asked for forgiveness for all he had made me go through and now we are living happily together, if you have any relationship problem I will advice you contact him for your testimonies. His contact details. [ adamslord85@gmail.com ]
How Dr Adams spell bring my husband back.
Losing someone you love is like breaking your heart in two especially when you are deeply in love with that person, love is an essential emotion and it has the power to make everything happy and pleasant but it came a time when I was abandoned by my husband who left me for his new assistant. He broke our house and left our 4 children going through series of bad emotions. Everything went wrong and my once happy children became dull and silent because there was no father around to guide and protect them. After 3 weeks I saw a post online about Dr Adams and even though I knew nothing about spells my heart pushed me to ask for his help. He explained that he would help with a reconciliation spell that would bring my husband back. After doing everything to allow her to perform the reconciliation spell, my husband fired his assistant and returned home, all within a span of 3 days. Thank you Dr Adams. Having similar problems in your relationship or marriage, contact Dr. email:[ adamslord85@gmail.com ]