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Pyramid Exterior Post Cap

smith | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 11, 2008 02:50am

I am trying to finalize my exterior newel post with a pyramid top similar to the one picture in:

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/PDF/Protected/021084060.pdf

My posts are about 9 in square at the top. I am having trouble deciding how to accomplish the pointed top with such a large cap (approx 12 in square). Do I miter 2 x similar to the one pictured and angle it down with the table saw? I am not really sure how to tackle this and feel it will be the most critical part of the final design.

My final desired cap would be a pointed top with about 1/2 – 1 in face and support crown moulding below the cap.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Replies

  1. calvin | Jan 11, 2008 03:20pm | #1

    Smith,

    Only online subscribed members can view the link you provided.

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

    1. User avater
      JDRHI | Jan 11, 2008 05:33pm | #2

      Yeah.....I'd love to help the guy.....but I aint feelin'  THAT generous.

      J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements

       

       

  2. Piffin | Jan 11, 2008 05:43pm | #3

    One option would be to buy them from Fypon.

    I don't know your design detailing because I can't see that photo, but one idea that comes to mind, it to make a jig for your planer to plane a bevel on a 2x8 or whatever, then cut four pieces at mitre to rejoin for each post cap. I have done that way for a pentagonal post or two.

     

     

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  3. Piffin | Jan 11, 2008 05:46pm | #4

    http://www.islandpostcap.com/

    or try this outfit to see if they make them large enough for you

     

     

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  4. MikeHennessy | Jan 11, 2008 05:50pm | #5

    Can't get to the post, but if I understand what you're asking . . .

    I'd cut it out of 12"X12"X2" stock. I'd cut as much of the pyramid as I could on the TS. Then I'd finish the top +/- 2" of the pyramid with a hand plane.

    Mike Hennessy
    Pittsburgh, PA

    1. Piffin | Jan 11, 2008 07:10pm | #6

      That is what I do with 8" ones, but these of his sound a lot larger. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. wane | Jan 11, 2008 07:33pm | #7

        band saw or handsaw ..

      2. MikeHennessy | Jan 11, 2008 07:36pm | #8

        "these of his sound a lot larger."

        Still, it's only the thin part that gets planed, so there's not much of it. 5 minutes would get the job done.

        And for someone who can plane down a couple of trees to get some beams, that tiny job would be no sweat! ;-)

        Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

        1. Piffin | Jan 11, 2008 08:19pm | #9

          Yeah, I know - but I can never tell what tools and skills somebody else might have when they need to ask about this sort of thing.Actually I bought a bandsaw two years ago, and keep forgetting that I have it - so how do I know if he has one?everybody has a plane though right?Or a belt sander....hundred ways to skin the cat according to what tools you have and what your comfort level with them. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. smith | Jan 13, 2008 05:08pm | #12

      Thank you for the response. I am finding out that the thickness is my biggest issue. But with all of the other posts about pre-made caps, I actually found pre-made cedar caps that I think will work. Thanks again for the insight.

  5. smith | Jan 12, 2008 12:25am | #10

    I am sorry for the PDF, wasn't thinking that early. Please let me know if you can see the attached JPEG. This is a smaller version of what I am trying to accomplish.

  6. Ragnar17 | Jan 13, 2008 11:47am | #11

    I don't know if your project is paint grade or stained.   But if painted, I would suggest you consider using something like Azek.  You can buy it in 3/4" thickness, and by cutting the proper angles, you could glue up your pyramid with four identical pieces.  The glue is very similar to PVC cement, so it results in a waterproof bond.

    I used a sheet of Azek to build some 20" wide wall caps and it has performed great.

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