Copying a finial - Updated!

[Richard Findley]

Hi all,

I had a job this week to copy an antique finial off of a clock. The wood was trcky to identify but I settled on Sycamore. I had some Maple in stock so used that as the two are pretty much indistiguishable (is that a word? If so I just impressed myself :shock: :shock: )

To make a copy/copies I make a template with all of the details drawn on and all of the major dimensions marked and transfer these to the work. Then turn as usual. Only one of these needed but the client wanted it to be a "perfect match" so I thought it best to make the template. All I have to do now is stain it to match..... (post to follow)

The details on the template and the original do line up (honest) it's just the perspective of the camera.

Cheers

Richard

 

[The Shark]

Hi Richard,

You are just showing off now, using big long words like that :lol:

Nice job, by the way!

Malc

 

[Bodrighy]

How do you match these old stains Richard? I find that really difficult with old drawer knobs and things. Do you use dyes or proprietary wood stains?

pete
P.S. It is a word but you missed an n out 'indistinguishable....sorry, being picky
:lol:

 

[Richard Findley]

P.S. It is a word but you missed an n out 'indistinguishable....sorry, being picky
:lol:

Must try harder :wink:

I'm lucky in that I have a friend in one of the units opposite me is a French Polisher and I popped in to see him this afternoon to ask his advice (and scrounge some stain from him :lol: :lol: :wink: )

He looked at the original and said that best match would be a water based brown mahogany stain (which he poured some into a jar for me!!) he suggested a light first coat and then tinting the button polish to finish it off. I'm going to turn up some off cuts of Maple and experiment tomorrow. He also said to me that the biggest problem with matching antiques is that you are trying to match a stain and polish and 100 years or so of aging which would include anything from dirt and dust, nicotine, furniture polish and god only knows what else.

I will keep you all posted with how I get on.

Cheers

Richard

 

[CHJ]

Richard, when I attempt matching something like that I place the pattern on a scanner and then print the image onto card.
I then cut round the outline to produce a female template and check 'good fit'
It can then be offered up to the turned item to check profile.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi Chas,

I just answered a question like this on another forum relating to this post. There is certainly nothing wrong with doing it like you describe but it does require good bandsaw skills. The other factor is that doing it this way only took me about half an hour start to finish but cutting out a template etc would have added considerably to that time. As I say, certainly nothing wrong with that method, just I don't find the need.

Thanks for looking and your input, as always.

Richard

 

[CHJ]

Hi Chas,

.....but it does require good bandsaw skills. ......

Nothing as fancy as that Richard, just a sharp knife and a pair of scissors. :lol:

My sketching skills are such that it would take me longer to draw it than turn. :wink:

And I would still lay odds on doing at least a couple before I got it anywhere near.

 

[loz]

Yer a skilled man Richard. Will look great on its new home. The finial is nice on its own merit, but the fact its duplicated so exactly - thats skill.

Alan Holt might suggest Vandyke Brown for the stain !

 

[mark sanger]

Damn fine work Richard.

Not often I get to make items like this so when I see one I appreciate the work/skill that goes into it.

 

[Bodrighy]

Damn fine work Richard.

Not often I get to make items like this so when I see one I appreciate the work/skill that goes into it.

Not that your finials need any skill do they Mark? :lol:

I do admire the copying skill as I find that really difficult. Must learn to measure things
Pete

 

[Jenx]

Thats brilliant.
Great job :lol: 8)

 

[Paul.J]

Very nicely turned Richard.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi all,

Got these finished today. Had to play around with the stains a bit to get them right, started with a light coat of "Brown Mahogany" and then mixed around with more light coats of this and some Van Dyke I'd previously mixed up with a but of cutting back in between. The finish was then built up with coats of Button Polish and a final coat of MC Wax. It's not 100% but hopefully acceptable!!

The original is on the left by the way!!

Cheers

Richard

 

[CHJ]

Closer than most of us would achieve I guess Richard, don't envy you that 'no going back' application routine.

A weeks dust and no one will be any the wiser. :lol:

 

[Bodrighy]

Glad you told us which was the original as I for one have trouble seeing the difference. Really good match. If the customer doesn't like it he/she has to be the fussiest person going :lol:

Pete

 

[The Shark]

Hi Richard,
That has come out really well =D>

Malc

 

[mark sanger]

looks excellent Richard.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi all,

Just to update you on this job. My client sent me over a photo of the finial in it's final home:

I was well pleased with this and he seems equally happy. Can you guess which it is???

Cheers

Richard

 

[Bodrighy]

Hi all,

Just to update you on this job. My client sent me over a photo of the finial in it's final home:

I was well pleased with this and he seems equally happy. Can you guess which it is???

Cheers

Richard

It is definitely the one in the middle or one of the outside ones....I think. #-o

Pete

 

[The Shark]

Hi Richard,

Very nice job :lol:

Malc