Thread: Old Ornamental Curved Display Case.

Hi Stewie,

Restoration is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the past fine work of others.

Maybe in another 70 years some-one will take uo the mantel again.

Please keep the WIP pic coming.

Thanks for sharing

Rob

The upper and lower rails being dressed back to 90 degrees using a shooting board.

All 3 of the curved frames have been pinned together to allow marking in of the hinges for the door panel. The original hinge mortises have been wood filled.





http://www.rkm.com.au/CALCULATORS/CA...le-sphere.html

I noticed after I pinned all 3 panels together that they did not form a regular shaped 180 degree arc. When I checked the marks on both the upper and lower support platforms that also indicated the frames were indeed out of alignment when originally fitted. For now fitting of the hinges is the back burner. Its time to make a reference board with the correct radius marked in.

To work out that radius is not overly difficult. Measure the circumference over 180 degree's, then multiply x 2 = 360 degree's.





(2 X 492 = 984mm) Calculate the radius, diameter, circumference, area & volume of a circle or sphere from any starting point

Radius = 156mm.

After using a compass to mark in the radius, it was time to compare it outline to that of the pinned frame.



The arc from the pinned frame is marked with ink pen. Houston, we have a problem.



The bevel angles on each of the mating stiles must be out, and will need to be dressed back to conform within the correct arc. No point whinging. Just get on with it.



Stewie;

Hi,
Have you checked the glass panels have the correct arc?
Just asking before it gets too late. You are doing too good a job to find they do not fit later.
Regards

Hugh; the curved glass panels are an internal fit and wont be effected by the work I am doing to correct the external curvature of all 3 frames combined. What's missing was the original beading used to close the gap down the length of each stile. I will need to make some new beading prior to fitting the glass panels. Any minor gaps between the internal close fit of each curved glass panel against the steam bent rails will be filled using a Caulking. Every aspect of this project entails some relevant challenges.

regards Stewie.

The bevels on the frame stiles have all been re-worked to match the 156mm radius. The replacement 3 x 50mm brass hinges have also been installed on the door frame.

Stewie;

Time to take a break from posting updates on this project.

regards Stewie;

Coming together nicely. Any idea of what the wood is?

Its just a low grade Meranti.

Stewie;

The base and upper dais were dressed back to a flat surface on both sides, followed by some glue repairs and wood filler. The radius for the frames were was also re calibrated from 156mm to 154mm to pick up a shortfall of 1/8" from a full 180 degrees.

Frames were then secured to their mounts using 1/2" brass screws. These will be later reinforced with adhesive to strengthen their bonding. The original 2mm ply that was used for shelving will be discarded, and a 9mm mdf used in its place. A timber feature shown when the door is open will also be glued in the maker a neater appearance. The original shelving slots will need to be widened to accommodate that increase in shelving thickness.

The work done previously to square up each of the frames paid off in dividends when it came to the fit of the door frame. Uniform spacing's all round, with no sign of hinge bind as the door is opened and closed.

When it came to fitting the upper dais, a chalk transfer fit was used to make sure even contact being made along the top surface of the curved rails. On-ward's to completion.

If the amount of detail I am providing is overly boring let me know and I will hold of further posts till completion.

Stewie;

Change of plans with the shelving material. I will look into getting some glass cut to suit.

Stewie;

looking good

I personally like your descriptions of what you are doing, it's well explained. the photos help as well. And I like to see and read how others do their work.
Keep it up and if others think there is too much being written then they can just read every 2nd or 3rd word

Keep it up and if others think there is too much being written then they can just read every 2nd or 3rd word

I like your sense of humor Nick. We must think alike.

This forum is actually much better value than the USA and U.K Hand Tool forums. Kudos Aussie members. The USA Forum as an example is is over shadowed by Mechanical, Computing, and Civil Engineers instructing the lower class how to do their woodwork. For some odd reason those same Engineers seldom post any photo's to back up their own woodwork experience. Not sure why!! Its seems as though they enforce a very intrusive top down management structure over in the USA.

regards Stewie;