Need a finial turned for a project

[Chuck Kiser]

Any forum member want to take on a small turning project? I'm putting a porch addition on a Victorian home in Chicago and need a finial to match the ones on the house. Pictures can be seen here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1039515...35273908612354

The size of the original is 36" tall, Turned from a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 post. The post stays square for 23 3/4", then the first turning is 2 1/2 " high, then a space of 1 1/2", the second turning is 3 1/4" high, the bottom turning is 5 1/2".

This needs to be scaled down in size due to the smaller gable end on the porch addition. I'm thinking a 4x4 post to start and a finished height of 18". Maybe cedar or Cyprus due to the exposed location.

I know one of you 'turners' could knock this out in no time. Give me a price. Customer wants the authentic look on his new porch and is willing to pay. Let me know.

[m beezo]

chuck, you sure you need to have that turned? I am thinking it is a piece added to the square part. Maybe check Outwater or even Fypon. They may have something very similiar unless he insists that it be wood.

[Chuck Kiser]

Thanks Mark,

I was hoping one of the forum guys with a lathe might want to crank this out. No matter, I'll check Outwater.

[m beezo]

Chuck, I have a neighbor who turns stuff occassionally for me. I could check to see what he is up to. I would suggest a pattern drawn on something that he could use. I have usaually had a old spindle that is broken that he uses for a pattern. Want me to check?

[David Meiland]

Chuck, I have had parts turned by Dan Bloomer, who has posted here off and on... http://www.handrailing.com/ . I imagine Keith Mathewson could do the same also.

[ELoewen]

I had something similar turned recently, we have a lumber yard with a good finish material department that had a contact that would turn them for us in cedar while the local turning company that specialized in turning stair spindles who i first called was only willing to turn them if i supplied the cedar, so what I'm saying is check with a good lumber yard in your town/city they may know somebody who can do it for you.

On a sidetrack, what is the cladding on the wall behind, are those shingles? can you post a picture of just the gable?

[Chuck Kiser]

Yhe cladding on the large gable is cedar shingles cut to form the shape you see. I will trying to duplicate that same look on a smaller scale on the small front gable where this new turning will go.

I found a local guy who is a long time member of a turning club in town that wants to give it a go.

[Chuck Kiser]

Thanks Mark, lets keep that option open in case my local guy can't get it done.