Victorian-ish molding for bookcase?

12 years ago

Hello, I'm hoping forum members can point me to a source of molding for this project. I am planning to build in a two-bay bookcase in an alcove of one of the rooms in our ca. 1770 house. The room in question got "updated" sometime, I think, in the mid-1800's. The window casings (see photo) use corner blocks / rosettes and then molding which I think you might call a pilaster.

I would like to apply a compatible-looking molding to the vertical edges (L, R, and between the 2 bays) of the bookcase but I think I need something smaller scale than the approx 4" width of the window casing (2 - 2.5" would IMHO be about right). After quite a bit of web searching, the closest I could find was http://www.architecturaldepot.com/PIL2X86M-p-pilasters.html, and that AFAIK is more of a Federal-style molding. For an example of a bookcase using such a molding, see http://www.nexpeditor.net/make-your-house-as-a-library-with-custom-bookshelves/custom-bookshelves-bookcase-whole/.

I would much appreciate any suggestions. While I have a router and table I don't think I have the skill, or the bits, to try to do this at home.

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (4)

Mags438
12 years ago
Wow, came over to woodworking forum for first time. I'll be following this thread closely, as I'm in a similar situation for baseboards. I'm kicking myself in the *** because I really wish I hadn't gotten rid of baseboard caps. At the time of demo, I really didn't think it would be that difficult to replace. Wrong!
User
12 years ago
You basically have three options IMHO.

One, find a millwork company that will have what you want in stock or can make it. In stock would be relatively inexpensive, custom will be expensive.

Find a woodworker who will make the stock. That will be similar to the millwork company process.

Make a pieced together profile yourself. With today's modern glues, using the same wood, and painting the finished product, you could wind up with something nice.

There are a couple of router bits(be aware those sizes need a variable speed router) that approximate the profile you showed. The center detail is similar, but the edge details are different. You could fairly easily cut off the edges and make new edges to fit.

Here is a link that might be useful: molding bit
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Mags438
12 years ago
I really don't mean to hijack this thread but could you help direct me to a compatible bit. It's been a challenge for me looking at side profiles. I'm mostly interested in base cap. Also, if someone could tell me what this type cap design is called, would appreciate it. I've been emailing places on net and have referred to cap design as beaded, but don't think that's even accurate. If lucky, my photo will have uploaded properly. Thanks much.
rwiegand
12 years ago
You may well have to use more than one bit to come close to the profile, look at ogee bits. Break the molding down into component parts and you may find that a combination of cove and groove cutters might accomplish what you need. If you have a shaper there is an Amana replaceable cutter head where the blanks are pretty cheap ($10-15/set) and you can make your own profile. It's kind of fun.

Remember it only needs to _look_ the same, not _be_ the same.

Here is a link that might be useful: router bit profiles