FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

reproduction of large bolection molding

alias | Posted in Construction Techniques on September 11, 2004 08:14am

i just got the go ahead to repoduce 4 large mantels 78″ w x 65″h
2 poplar paint grade, 1 rift sawn white oak, 1 mahogany. there is one component that has got my creative appetite whetted. its a large i know it as a bolection molding, i’ve also heard refered to as a “strawberry ” molding. regardless of the name i have a rough drawing attached. it’s 5″ in height, projects out 3″ .
now i’d like to try and reproduce this myself , is there any way to do this with out a large shaper, i dont have the hand planes, and dont have the time to hunt them down. because of time restraints. any ideas or advice would be appreciated. i know the easy way is to sub it out ( the molding)to a mill shop. and be done with it. but i like a challenge the bigger the better. i have an inkling of an idea that the 3 h.p shaper , elaborate hold downs and cradle system and expensive set of knives is the most cost effective way. but im holding out for any other procedures. thanks for any help……… bear”expectations are premeditated resentments”


Edited 9/11/2004 1:16 pm ET by the bear

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. alias | Sep 11, 2004 08:22pm | #1

    try this......

    "expectations are premeditated resentments"
  2. DougU | Sep 11, 2004 09:12pm | #2

    bear

    I could build that whole thing with a router and a few bits.

    Do it in layers and then stack them up!

    You should be able to section the thing out and find a router bit that will match your profile. Cut the piece  of wood, route, do this to each section and stack them up using a little glue and some nails for clamping.

    Doug

    I printed out the picture that you posted. The bottom part of that profile may require something other than router bits, though you may find some close.

    I just looked at the entablature and seen it as fairly simple. That bolection moulding might be a little more challanging. I think I might try some sort of jig and a table saw. Cut your round pieces and make a jig that will cradle the piece so as to run it over the blade(for the concave portion) the outside radius you may have to pare off parts with the saw but I still think that you can find router bits that will be close, you got the radius's of these  profiles?



    Edited 9/11/2004 2:22 pm ET by Doug@es

    1. alias | Sep 12, 2004 12:23am | #4

      thanks doug ...the entablature is not a concern pretty much a lay up. the bolection was my main concern, nbut sectioning the thing is definite possibility... thanks again..bear"expectations are premeditated resentments"

      1. davidmeiland | Sep 12, 2004 04:23am | #6

        You could rough out the shape on the table saw. Start with a piece that's wider than the height you need, maybe 6" wide. Trace the profile on the endgrain of the piece. Start from one edge and run it thru the tablesaw with the blade at a height that just touches your profile tracing. Move the fence 1/8", adjust the blade a hair, and run again. Keep moving it 1/8" at a time and adjusting blade height until you've roughed out the entire profile, using the tracing on the endgrain as a guide. Leave the extra width on the board to keep it a consistent height above the table as you hog out the middle, then trim those edges off.

        Finishing it would probably be with scrapers, including inside and outside curves, and then sandpaper and some curved blocks (sticky sandpaper stuck to blocks is ideal). There are also some profile sanders out there that might help, although I've never used them.

        That's some big honkin' wood you need, maybe 16/4 or 20/4 by 6" wide or wider. It's not out of the question to find flaws inside material like that, stuff you can't see from the outside. Might want to charge at least $100 per lineal foot for that molding, maybe $200.. $300... $1000?

        Send us pics of how you do it.

        1. alias | Sep 12, 2004 04:27am | #7

          thanks dave- more good advice. will do.

          "expectations are premeditated resentments"

          Edited 9/11/2004 9:33 pm ET by the bear

  3. Clay | Sep 11, 2004 11:10pm | #3

    Run the concave portion on the table saw at a skewed angle (as for a cove ... I often use a molding head with a half-round profile for this).  Then cut the convex areas by sawing tangents to the curve.   Follow up with a plane (just a flat plane) or portable planer by cutting off the points to approach the curved shape (as you do these steps keep working from end to end so that the molding profile stays straight).   Now take light passes with the plane cutting off the corners again.  By this time you should be very close to the desired shape. Rough sand with well-padded, sharp, coarse paper.  Now you can sight for any areas that need some straightening and check with a profile gage for any needed adjustments.  At this point it is simply smoothing with successive grits of sandpaper and you are ready for assembly.   This project represents lots of work but requires more care and perseverance than skill.  You can do it.

    1. alias | Sep 12, 2004 12:28am | #5

      thats some good advice clay , the procedure you lay out . ive used on cove moldings and have even thrown a bevel in there to make it interesting. thanks for your time and advice regards .....bear"expectations are premeditated resentments"

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data