Finish carpentry detail

[Baldwin]

I'm proud of this very time-consuming cope (no more than a pinch or two of chalking should be required). The real challenge was cutting the cope detail without breaking the casing and then getting it back in place around the handrail (there was only about a 1/4" left after the cut.

Sometimes there's just no other way to address molding interface issues. Of course its just a small detail but finish carpentry is just a giant collection of such stuff (don't you agree?). We can either try to do it right or just "get-er-done".

A little vanity maybe...

[Ottoman]

I agree that's a fine job of coping. One has to wonder what kind of piss poor planning led to that detail in the first place. It would seem that a smaller window or door or perhaps shifting them to the left would have been in order. Sometimes though you can't fix other people's issues.

[tjbnwi]

Nice problem solve. Amazing the patience we can find when we have to.

Tom

[Gary Katz]

Yeah, Ottoman, I'm in total agreement, but that doesn't mean we won't see that detail again...and again...and again...

But you have to admit, that's the most butt-ugly example of it imaginable!
The only nice thing is the cope...I think! :) Might have been better to just stick a block on the wall and butt the casing into it! :):)


Gary

[tomthetoolman40]

Might have been better to just stick a block on the wall and butt the casing into it! :):)


Gary

I thought that too, or just end the railing 1/2" before it got to the molding.

[Baldwin]

Of course I considered options...

A large rosette or block would have been acceptable but then it would have accentuated and drawn attention to the problem rather than minimizing it. The other option of letting the rail stand-off from the wall would be considered "architecturally incorrect". Stair and guard railings are safety and structural elements and should (at the very least) always appear so. They take precedence over cosmetic moldings and trim work.

The installation of stair handrail often present problems such as a level rail installed between fluted columns or widow openings etc.

The problem is that architectural plans today seldom include detailed interior elevations. All such (impossible) issues therefore default to the finish carpenter. If someone above us (meaning just about everyone) doesn't like the way we've done something, we get to re-do it and usually at our own expense (but that's another subject).

[brthomas]

We can either try to do it right or just "get-er-done".

A little vanity maybe...[/QUOTE]

I applaud you for taking the time and really making this look great. I know of far to many "get-er-dunners" and frankly those people disgust me. They also seemingly believe in, "Ah a lil caulk'll fill'er up nicely eh? F-it! Lets go home now."

Take the time, do it right for what the situation is (bad situation nonetheless), and walk away knowing you did the very best that you could have possibly done. Again, I applaud you sir.

[newman]

nice cope sir.

the architect that designed that should be the one who should have to suffer coping it! LOL

[texastutt]

Very nice work.

[Kent Brobeck]

Jim, would it have been possible to notch the rail into the casing? Either way very nice job. A few more pictures would be nice too. Those are always.....OMG!! why me!!

[markhoni]

kudos for the cope. Shame on the designer.

[tenon0774]

Much nicer than coping the casing into a rosette.

Nice.