I am wrapping up some dormers that were in bad need of a face lift. The HO wanted as little upkeep as possible, and durable materials. So we went with all azek trim except the crown that was original to the 1915 carriage house. That crown is cypress, and two pcs. did not survive removal and stripping of paint, so I hand planed out some 8′ for replacement, I just happened to have some 12/4 x 12″ Cypress I could get it out of.
Any way the ideer of a fluted pilaster was mine, just to give it some 3D in the front, a flat facade with window trim just said “eeech” to me. So, I figured I know at least 4 ways to cobble up some fluted pcs., but I wanted to expeiment with the EZ Guide, so I went with that route.
I chucked up a 3/4” core box bit in the PC, and double stick taped it to the router base for the EZ…I didn’t trust that..I had visions of the tape failing ( it was kinda old) so I tookoff the subbbase and xferred the screw holes to the alum base, drilled and C-sunk the holes. Now I felt safer.View Image
The 5/4 azek and the guide rail worked really well, by jacking up the guide on some 3/4″ ply on top of a folding cut table I cobbled up, it is 2×2″ that fold like a parrallellagram (SP?) ( tired)…betterthan an EZ table IMO.
The router base was just shy of dropping down far enough, so I taped a shim on teh outboard side of the base to stabilize the router from tipping, and then squared my start and stop lines (I eyeballed the cut to the lines, no fixed stops) and toe pinned the azek to the table rails..rout one edge, blow it all off, and flip and rout the other edge. After all eight were done that way, I just cut an 1.5″ spacer (3/4 flute+3/4 flat) and routed the center flute. Slick as snot. View Image
Finally, I chucked up a champher bit in the ancient Ryobi trim router and gave the edges a swipe the same length as the flutes, allthat is left is cut the top to meet the upper terminus and bevel the bottom to the roof pitch, which I would have completed today, but the boom decided to die again..so maybe tomorrow.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
“If you want something you’ve never had, do something you’ve never done”
Replies
Oh, the dormers. here are two of four. Mid Job the HO decided to also install new casement windows, so I am leaving the window trim and under sill off till the Kolbe and Kolbe delivery.
View Image
Grants guys did a great job on the roof, and I will be sure to not slobber paint all over the shingles ( sure,I will..)
The hardie went easy, so I expect a long lasting job.
About the EZ...faster than a router table? maybe. but stops would have to set, routing upside down..faster than just a straight guide fence? no, but less chance of error...faster than template guide bushings and a template? Probably not.
I did it cuz, (A) I had it, (B) I had not tried it yet, with a router and (C) It seemed like good ideer at the time. I gotta admit, the PVC dust is abrasive and not slippery, I applied powdered MICA to the guide and it was much smoother. I had just seen a display of Fypon fluted millwork at the lumber yard, I could not believe my eyes, on a 5 flute sample display, TWO flutes were a 1/2" long or short of the others!!! Sloppy as hell. I SPLIT my pencil lines by eye..geeze, it ain't THAT hard.
Any way, I am not starting a festool/ez debate, I used what I had, and it worked as promised..nuff said.
Next time, I get a vacuum hooked up tho', I have azek dust in places I didn't know I had..and it will, find a way into yer eyes..and it hurts.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Cool Sphere...can't see the flutes on the dormer picture though!
No #### about the Azek dust, huh? Just try to wash it out of your pockets.
Ya can't see the flutes on the dormer is cuz I didn't get it up there yet..LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Aah...I didn't read your first line close enough, but read your attachment title too closely....
Have you installed K+K windows before? We did a couple big jobs with them found they didn't operate properly.
I love K&K, never had an issue..Pella went to hell, Peachtree got sold out or bought..they have dropped quality...the new kid on the block now here at least is Windsor..I hung them in NC a few yrs ago..I liked them. Marvin was higher than K&K on this one..there are a bunch of other windows in a 4 part order.
French Casements...(read $$$$$$$) and mulled casements, and DH's. I'll be there forever.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Have you installed K&K in the last couple years? After a while our rep sort of implied that they got sold/bought out and things were changing. I think we might have gotten caught in the middle. Something like $80K worth of doors and windows, and at least half don't operate properly.
We also don't like Peachtree, or Pella.
Marvin's been very good to us.
Haven't heard of Windsor. Wonder if they sell up here?
Its been at least 5 yrs..I guess I'll, find out. Check and see about Windsors, they are pretty nice..Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Looks mucho better. The green beast still running OK? And have the painters still been progressing on the main house?http://grantlogan.net/
I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do
Thanks, well, the Green Beast quit today, runs on Propane, no high RPM, stalls after 1 minute. Restart, not enough RPM to operate the hyraulics. Gasoline , it starts ( after a long crank time) then dies instantly. I SWEAR its the Fuel Pump, not keeping up..but it was fine yesterday? I'll get apump in the morning, its easy to get to..well, easier than anything else..LOL
It is Odder than sh!d that on propane, the foot pedal won't boost RPM, and the ground switch won't boost rpm when ya toggle it...I noticed driving from out back yesterday ( on gasoline) I had no "Rabbit" drive speed...but the foot pedal would boost RPM..today I fired up on (new) propane, no drive in rabbit, stalls trying to lift the boom..start on prpane, switch to gas ( I put more in) and it dies..the FP is making noise, but I "Think" not keeping up with demand, or a fuel line is collapseing? I dunno, I am flummoxed.
Only other thing I can think of is a vacuume leak somewhere. But whatever it is , it is intermittent. Probly start and run fine in the morning.
The painters have been AWOL all week, so I am cleared to borrow thier boom, if Greenbeast still won't behave.
Shoulda called ya sooner about free lunch, good BBQ from Billy's.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I'll get Smokey out there next week. There's water in the system still and it's meesed up a line or something.http://grantlogan.net/
I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do
Wanna bet when Smoky comes it runs fine? I added a bottle of water fixer about when it first got there, that tank ran down to about 1/4 , so today I put 5 gals of gas in..maybe another bottle will help too.
I'd like to have it going good for Dale, he's gonna be living in it for a spell (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
way cool... nice photo essay too !
View ImageMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
The air nozzel on that CADEX pinner was MADE for this job! I LOVE that pinner, and the 10K SS pins I got..yup , ten thousand! 80 bucks tho' OUCH!Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Cool pics and story.
I really like Azek, but I hate cleaning up my shop after milling it.
No matter how well I try, I'm always tracking it upstairs into the house.
Which goes over real well with my wife <G>
I've milled it outside sometimes. One windy day, the neighbors stopped over to see what the white dust was flying onto their cars and bushes.
I made a nice snow background where I was working, thats for sure..the tablesaw is inside that double door, I had to also rabbet the backside to lap over the 5/4 OS corners, and lay on the 3/4 backing...that room looks like a coke den..LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Dale emailed today. He's been doing a little "dating" with the local Swiss girls. Didn't send me any pics of them, though.http://grantlogan.net/
I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do
I hope they aren't girl scouts...(G)
Edit: But then again, they'd be handy with a Swiss Army Knife I bet.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Edited 9/20/2007 7:29 pm ET by Sphere
You might try draining a couple of gallons of gas out of the bottom of the tank. If it is contaminated, the water will be on the bottom.
Ha!
Well, tell Grant..LOL. It's his baby ( I do miss it tho')
I think we did fix it..last time I was in the driver's basket..it also din't like hot weather, or cold..but it ran great when it wanted to.
So, hows that "Thursday night I'll go diggin in the BT wayback machine" date going? LOL
A year later and I am still on that job, the steel beam ( see Measure twice, burn once) is there..Friggin hell with these folks, and I know they can read this, we have an "understanding".
wheew..I recall that day..like to go back and erase it.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
I'm building a kind of a Craftsman knockoff casing for a window in the master suite I have been working on for 14 months. My wife decided that we had to have some flutes. I remembered reading your post, so I went back to have a look.
I don't have the EZ, so I guess I will have to fix up a jig with some stops. :@)
I have done flutes both ways and prefer it overhead like you did than ona router table.Now try getting five flutes to equalize!;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
5, I woulda set a stop..LOL I aint THAT good.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
So, how does coffee con Azek taste?
Nice work! Thanks for the pics and opinions.Troy Sprout
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should also have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." -- George Washington
Tastes like drinking from a garden hose that has been laying in the hot sun all day..lol, really, it does.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
*Slight Hijack Alert*Sphere,Are you using the Azek glue? I just wrapped up a porch "improvement", mostly wrapping posts and ceiling beams in Azek, so lots of long miters (9 - 13 feet). The first can of glue we got wouldn't set up. We left our first piece sitting out in the sun for 45 minutes and it was still really flexible. We had better luck with the second can, but it was still less than ideal. The stuff was messy and hard to apply and by the time we got to one end of a long miter the other end was skinned over...Rrrrrr.Have you had luck with other glues? I know I could probably use Gorilla Glue, but the mess and foam out had me too worried. The were hoping not to paint it, but I don't think it's realistic. The glue, if any is not wiped up, yellows in the sun and I have yet to find a truly white filler for nail and screw holes.Anyone else want to chip in here?Thanks,KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
I had a can sent along with the order, but I had no reason to open it yet, all my joints were butts. I had the pre-made outside corners, saved the hassel and perfectly done with a factory lock joint.
I used big stretch caulk on the showing places, and "back caulked" behind the FC siding with T-Rex.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I was using the Gorilla PVC glue but the Azek & Kleer guys at a show told me to use Bond Fill instead. I did and it worked great. It's a 2 part bonder that fits in a caulking gun, about 5-10 minutes of working time before the pieces are set forever.
-Norm
Sounds interesting. Water cleanup?Does it have any color to it? -KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
I was too lazy to include a link the first time, here goes: http://www.bondfill.com/index.htm
It's NOT water clean-up (acetone) and it's white. I've had a little smear of it exposed on Azek columns on my house for about 4 months now, still white, no yellowing at all.
-Norm
Hey, thanks Norm.Tht stuff looks great. Glue and filler in one. I know they sell Azek as being able to be left unpainted, but it just didn't seem realistic to me.Unforunately, they have no dealers in CA, but if I get another decent sized job, I'll try it out.-KitTechnique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
Just asking, but why not leave the Azek "au Natural"? Looks good to me, and I feel I'm a pretty good critic of taste. The thing I don't understand is why they can't give us 4 (four) finished sides.
I'm building a porch/ portico(?) roof over a brick stair right now. Somewhat fancy.. barrel arch ceiling with an eliptical facade at the face. I was planning on using your crayon idea, but I have run into a little snag. The crown moldings and base cap that I used have a rough surface that has turned color from being outside for the week or so since it was delivered. It almost looks like mildew, but I'm guessing it's from the ridiculous amount of pollen in the air. The smooth surfaces clean up with simple green, but the rough milled surfaces don't want to hear it. The owner isn't totally adverse to painting it, but that sorta defeats the purpose of it being maint. free. The azek was his idea from the get-go; if I had known that he'd be willing to paint, believe me I would have gone primed cedar, I can't take much more white dust. Looks like my tools got snowed on. ( I got a great tip to spray all my stuff down with static guard, but got tipped after the fact,doh!
At any rate, iirc you've used azek quite a bit, any suggestions?
sorry for the hijack
Bing
" four finished sides.."
One word.
Cellular.
Cut a PVC pipe and look at the "end Grain" closely,it is cellular ( as in repeating expansion of large molecules) Poly Vinyl Clorides expand when introduced to Oxy and Hydrogen, it is only a liquid in the absence of those or in vacuume.
Crosslinked polys such as Pex, and Wirsbo re-connect in expansion process and are less turgid and lack the flaw of non-cohesion. The cross linking allows for a tighter molecular bond, hence flexibily without rupture.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
If the Azek will not be painted, use Crayola Crayon white, INVISABLE filler. If you find it as good as I have, the crayons can be had in 1/2" diameter pkgs. in ALL white from art supply stores. Crayola has an 800# on their boxes.
Your right, slick as snot. Where does one find that router guide and for how much. Also, I notice you have those cheap plastic horses. I have wanted to pick up a couple but was afraid they would break before I got'em off the truck. They any good?
Dave
Also, I notice you have those cheap plastic horses.
Now I'm realizing why I can't find mine.http://grantlogan.net/
I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do
Why aren't you drinking by now?
Like the pics in your head?
Last I saw yours they were in the WARWAGON..busted up I think. They were rode hard and put away wet, for sure.
I thought these wouldn't last long for 30 bucks or less, but I've been suprised actually. I wiped out 3 metal horses in one fell swoop when I launched a sheet of osb off my roof, and it hit all three..bent up the legs beyond repair.
We got some milage outta them folding party tables from Sams club..under 50 bucks and nice for gutters. I think Dale and Mikey found out one won't hold both of them standing on it tho'.
I bought the brake, and have it on one of them.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I got the router doo-hicky with the EZ guide from Eureka zone.
The plastic horses are ok for most stuff, hell, I have at least 8 sets of horses or various types, only one set of these kind, mostly the metal folding leg types. There are more than one kind of plastic ones too, but I got these at Lowes, the harbor frieght are junk.
I like that they don't rattle as loud in the van, and fold flat is better sometimes than the long box shape of the metal ones, depending on how much I am packing.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
I had a set of those plastic horses collapse on me yesterday. Had 8-10 pieces of Fiber cement laying on them ready to be cut. I ran to my truck to get my shears and all I hear is a loud crash.
Went back to see what the noise was and there the horses were in pieces underneath the siding.
Cool project, is the Azek getting painted?
Matt
I don't load anything important on them, or try to use them like a rugged work bench, like i said, I have plenty of others in the stable..lol
Yup, the whole shooting match is getting 2 coats of SW Duration, Gloss White.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Did you order an extra 50inch guide to have or just take apart the 8ft full length guide when you need the ease of a shorty?
be slick as snot...
on a doorknob
sobriety is the root cause of dementia.
I got two 50" and a shorter 25'' (?) guides. So, yea, the shortest was too short, but one 50" was about right. I cheated and piffen screwed the end down opposite the plywood end that had the EZ clamp unnder neath. It woulda flopped around too much to rely on just that end clamp.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Edited 9/22/2007 3:42 pm ET by Sphere
Nice work homes. I like the ingenuity.
.
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5MG1ZfFiZ8
Might have to change the Co. name to Architectural Azek Working...LOL don't quite sound right.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
A new use for the hanger holes already in the guide or did you need to drill new ones?
So does the 25" guide see any use at all or do you assemble and disassemble the 8'er when you need the shorter length?
sobriety is the root cause of dementia.
I just drilled a hole out towards the end, zipped in a screw. Nothing fancy, didn't even CSink it, being as the router guide doo-dad stopped before I would travel that far. Other wise, it would have made a handy stop, but I didn't get that anal about registering to the jig in that direction.
I have not even cut the edges of the short rail yet..wassis? 2 yrs? I see it could be handy for cabinetry, like dados and plunge routering line holes, if one were so inclined.
I use the 50" rails for about everything, but I need to get the new base on the PC saw, blade left, I hate the Milwaukee set up blade right..seems backwards to me.
Gonna play with the route set ups more I think, I like that a lot, I just wish the router doo-dad was a "T" slot or dovetail, it CAN jump the track, and that could be a bad thing.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"