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Mirror Frame Proportions
Issue: Issue 216
Posted Date: 2/10/2009
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I'm thinking about building a mirror frame with a gooseneck molding
as seen on period furniture such as highboys. I would appreciate any
information you could give me as to proportions, cross-sectional shape,
but most of all any suggestions on how to rout the curved molding.
Tim Inman: As for design considerations, go to the library,
then go to some good museums. There are books full of pictures and
illustrations for you. Hit the "enlarge" button on a photocopier
enough times, and you can get a copy that is almost full-sized. There
isn't anything like seeing the real thing up close with your own eyes,
though. That's where the museum trip comes in. Local historic sites are
a goldmine. As for cross-section, that will pretty much take care of
itself once you identify the edge contours from a picture or
observation. These were typically cut on shapers using pattern boards
or jigs. The "work" is clamped onto the carrier, and the carrier edge
rides on a collar mounted to the spindle of the shaper cutter. Check
out some books on using shapers, and you'll see how quickly. Folks who
sell shapers are a great resource, too.