Cheap and cheerful arched frames

[marcus]

I've been asked to make a couple of windows for someone for their garden office. They want arched frames, but I don't think the budget is going to stretch to doing them properly with hammer-head joints. Any cheap and cheerful options for doing this? It is just a simple arch with one large light, size will be about 1000mm square.

 

[Myfordman]

Laminate from short sections and then use a router to trim the profile to final shape.
Other than making the template which needs to be accurate, the rough glue up should be quick enough to do.

 

[adzeman]

Its not that difficult building up in segments. Use different widths of segments to form rebates. Care required on end cuts, angles to match (I used 60deg) and square cuts.

Regards

 

[marcus]

Thanks, that's perfect. Can I ask How thick do you make the laminations? Is three layers enough?

 

[adzeman]

How thick do you make the laminations? Is three layers enough?

I made these a standard stock thickness of 20mm but it depends on what depth of rebates you want. Three layers is good, two not so good and four and above cumbersome.

Regards

 

[marcus]

Ok, that's great, thanks. I'll put a quote together based on that.

 

[deema]

Hi,
I was taught by my father a cabinet maker by profession that laminates of all types should be in odd numbers. I.e. 3, 5 etc. I have never known the reason why! But have seen the same advise in old wood working books. If anyone can shed light it wouLd be appreciated

 

[Myfordman]

Hi,
I was taught by my father a cabinet maker by profession that laminates of all types should be in odd numbers. I.e. 3, 5 etc. I have never known the reason why! But have seen the same advise in old wood working books. If anyone can shed light it wouLd be appreciated

I think that is based on plywood (or other lamination stacks with grain at right angles on alternate pieces)
Odd number of layers give the same grain direction on the outer faces.

 

[deema]

Never thought of that!!, makes perfect sense, thanks

 

[adzeman]

I should have added I glued the laminations with alternating end grain directions.

 

[marcus]

Right, noted thanks!