Thread: timber slats for blinds?

I think all the Sydney makers buy from Timbeck. Check out http://www.timbeck.com.au/html/cedar.htm.

Arron

ps. let us know how you get on. Its on my wish list too.

Arron

Guys, I have just finished 2 x sets of plantation shutters: 1800x600. I found any number of suppliers, some finished some in kit form. The cost was about $700 for the pair, un-assembled. I went ahead and made my own. It was not an experience that I would repeat. Despite a total finished cost of < $100

Firstly, as I was to paint them (a piece of wood this big, finished naturally would have been dark and oppressive in the room, hence painted white) I wasn't going to pay for decent timber. I carefully selected crapiata, at our favourite toyshop @ 19x75 for shutters and 19x 95 for frames (I was adviced to use hoop pine, but too late). When I finished the frames (easy) and came to make the shutters (20 in all, 10 each frame) I discovered that the 'dressed timber' was not only warped in both planes but also needed extensive sanding and filling of knot holes etc. Plus end grain fill and finish. Plus edge planing as the saw marks were very visible

Secondly, painting these 20 lengths was incredibly tedious, 1 x sealer, 1 x undercoat, 2 x top coats, sanding in between

Thirdly, whilst the swivel arrangement fopr the shutters was easy, trying to design a method of opening and closing the lot was very hard. Problems were that as each shutter turns thru a radius of about 120 degrees, closed up to closed down, the fixing to the control rod had to be able to tolerate this movement (ie loose) but no so loose that it slopped around and 'fell' off to one side. The fittings also need to be surprisingly strong. Eventually used small eye screws, recessed into the face of each shuuter to minimise the gap. Getting all aligned, then simultaneously threading all 10, concurrently thru the opposite number on the face of each shutter was fun (not) then closing the opened 'eyes' with needle nosed pliers - never again.

The result looks OK, but I have doubts about the longevity of the fittings, particularly when HI takes out her frustrations in life (me, to a large part) and vigourously slams them shut.

Foruntately the warps don't show too much, as apart from in the horizontal position, the edge line is not apparent. I can see them tho!

Anyway, my advice is to either buy a kit and assemble, or if you must construct use a better quality timber, from a better supplier and think long and hard about your open'shut method.

The above advice is probably coloured by my loathing of painting and general impatience.

Good luck!

well it does not seem too encouraging to make them
something I should mention is timber venetian I am planning to make, not timber blinds (my mistake)
I 'll have a look at timbeck and see what they offer
Thanks for your help

Try a cedar window manufacturer, never know your luck they might have off cuts that they want to get rid of.

Realising that you will be doing blinds not shutters makes the whole thing much easier. When we were getting our blinds done, I went to the maker's place several times and watched them being made. It couldnt be easier - they just pull the slats from a pack, cut them to length, punch the holes for the cords, string them up, then oil them. The people they had to do the job were 'sheltered workshop' types. It was a competitive business though and I doubt you save money doing it yourself if you have to buy both slats and fittings.


Bodgy, could it be that most of the trouble you had you bought upon yourself by using radiata pine, painting them, and using poor quality and/or non-standard fittings? If you had used cedar slats, kept them natural, and used some good fittings I dont think there would have been as much tedium involved.

I have to agree about one thing though. We have cedar blinds in most of the rooms in our house and they do make the place look dark. They probably let the same amount of light through as would white ones - its just an impression of darkness. They are nice, but dont overdo them.

Arron

Aaron, you probably quite right about me causing most of my problems. Second time around (which will never happen unless my demetia takes a turn South) I'd do things differently.

Would dispute only one point. I checked the way the 'professional' shutters were fixed regarding opening. The cheaper ones simply have 2 x interlinking staples ( bodgier than my eye screws) and the more expensive a series of ratchets which open and close via a winder. I still can't see a better or easier way of acheiving the open/close function.

This is all academic anyway as Emistral is after timber venetians not shutters, which you would be stark raving mad to make, when they are so cheaply available.

Originally Posted by Bodgy

This is all academic anyway as Emistral is after timber venetians not shutters, which you would be stark raving mad to make, when they are so cheaply available.

I never knew that sanity was a requirement for woodwork......so that where I've been going wrong.

Eric

There is a manufacturer of wooden blinds called the "woodblind factory."
His number is 02 6366 3699. He imports his own wrc and kiln dries it and has automated equipment to shape the different profiles. He also has basswood.
He might be able to supply the stuff you need

Hope this helps

Snowy

Originally Posted by Bodgy

Aaron, you probably quite right about me causing most of my problems. Second time around (which will never happen unless my demetia takes a turn South) I'd do things differently.

Would dispute only one point. I checked the way the 'professional' shutters were fixed regarding opening. The cheaper ones simply have 2 x interlinking staples ( bodgier than my eye screws) and the more expensive a series of ratchets which open and close via a winder. I still can't see a better or easier way of acheiving the open/close function.

This is all academic anyway as Emistral is after timber venetians not shutters, which you would be stark raving mad to make, when they are so cheaply available.

A picture is worth a thousand, so I have attached a couple of the mechanism on my shutters. I did not make them, but they are very nice to have, and very well made. The whole shutter assembly is hinged on one side and secured with magnetic catches on the other to allow window cleaning etc. Prices were around $500 per shutter depending on size.

I have installed cedar venetians in other rooms with uncompilcated windows, and they are very inexpensive, I don't think you could make them for the price. Basswood is plainer and cheaper again, and you can get white, but it's not to my taste. Check Bunnings - they have masses of them!

Michael

Scheisser, I even have some Ally extrusion that would have done!

Next time, if there is a next time, I'm set.

Hindsight is such a magnificent facility!