FAQ'S

The History Channel

What size capacity do you have for turning wood?

 Our main lathe is a J.A. Fay and Egan timber bed lathe circa 1900 of 

22' in length which gives us a turning capacity of nearly 18'. We have 

turned column bases as large as 6' in diameter.

Can you supply virtually any species of wood?

 We can provide every species of wood that is imported to the New 

Orleans area and have sourced a few species that are not common to this area, 

but we will not turn Pressure Treated Pine.

How do I stop Wood Rot

 Wood rot is the most common failure of exterior millwork, especially 

columns, posts, and spindles. This is normally caused by one of thousands 

of wood molds or fungi that travel in the air and grow in moist 

conditions at the end grain of unprotected millwork. The number one 

preventative is applying a fungicide to the trimmed part prior to priming, 

painting, and assembly. This application is best made by soaking the bottom 

of the spindle, post, or column in a bath of either a zinc or copper 

napthanate solution for a minimum of 5 minutes. The longer the soak, the 

better the penetration. If soaking is not an option, repeated brushing 

or rolling is acceptable. Allow the solution to dry for at least 24 

hours prior to priming and painting. Since the latest solutions are water 

based, it may be likely that a latex primer is most compatible. We 

prefer the zinc solutions as they dry clear and will not bleed through the 

paint like the copper solutions.

Columns and hollow newels merit some additional comments. In humid 

environments we find that ventilation of the column is of utmost 

importance. All hollow structures will eventually build up a humidity inside 

causing condensation to form near the bottom of the structure. We always 

provide weep holes at the plinth equivalent to 10% of the inner area of 

the column . In addition we recommend that some ventilation be provided 

through the capital so as to allow air to circulate freely through the 

column.

Why turn the old fashioned way vs. using a copy lathe?

 In reproducing older turning designs, we have found that the copy 

lathes simply cannot compare! In order to affect the crisp lines of the more 

delicate turnings, we use a large array of special hand held gouges, 

skews, and scrapers which allow us to carve all of the original profiles. 

The copy lathes use a single V-shaped scraper which tears at corners 

and leaves a finish that requires too much sanding to maintain crisp 

details. In reproducing the larger turnings there simply is no copy lathe 

large enough. 

In fact, there is just no substitute for skilled craftsmanship!

How do I measure a post or column?

In the case of extremely large pieces which cannot be economically 

shipped, a very good sketch with dimensions will be required. 

Columns can be most easily measured using a seamstress tape which is 

wrapped around the column at 1 foot intervals to give a list of 

circumferences. The intervals for measurement near the top should be reduced to 

every 6-8 inches. Where fluted, the width of the flute (groove) and the 

width of the margin (flat spot) should be carefully measured (to a 

sixteenth of an inch) every 2 feet minimum. The termination of the flute 

top and bottom will also have to be noted.

Porch posts require a caliper to make an accurate drawing. Now go to 

the post and make as careful and proportional a sketch as you can manage. 

Measure and note the overall dimension of the post...width and height, 

then the overall height of the bottom square. From the point where the 

turning begins, measure up to the first obvious break in the shape of 

the post, such as the point where a bead turns into a listel ( the 

little straight vertical section typically 1/4" tall) or where a listel 

turns into a cove (deep indented area) or where a straight section of 

turning is interrupted by a series of small (1/2" to 3/4") beads. Put all 

these height measurements to the right side of your drawing with lines 

pointing directly to each break in the shape. Using your caliper, measure 

the diameters of each break in design. Slide the caliper around the 

post, then carefully lay the open caliper on a tape measure and read the 

distance between the two nails.  On the left side of your drawing, note 

the diameters of each of these breaks.

Another option for the heights is to use a piece of 1/4 in plywood app. 

10" wider than the post and long enough to cover the entire turning and 

then some. Tack the plywood to the back of the post allowing 5” to 

extend on either side. Taking a good sliding square, you can set the square 

to the plywood, slide the gauge out to meet a break in the post design, 

then scribe a line on the plywood. You will now have an accurate series 

of lines to which you can sketch the outline of the design and mark 

down the diameters. Cut the ply wood template into manageable lengths on a 

45 degree angle and we can reassemble in our shop. An accompanying set 

of photographs taken perpendicular to the various details will be an 

enormous aid to accurate reproduction.

What if I don't have a design?

 Very often we are asked to turn parts without a full design. This is 

not a problem so long as we have an idea of what you want, either a 

picture or sketch, and a dimension for the height. We have frequently 

assisted with design ideas as to what may be proper for your style of 

construction and are happy to do so. 

 How is shipping handled?

 We have shipped all over the continental United States as well as the 

Caribbean. Larger posts and columns will be shipped via freight line 

while spindles are normally shipped via UPS or DHL. Smaller orders can be 

shipped via US Postal Service.

How much do the turnings cost?

 Every item will need a quote due to the infinite variety of designs, 

but we can give some rough parameters of cost.

Interior paint grade spindles range from 18-25 dollars

Interior stain grade spindles range from 22-30 dollars

Exterior 2 3/4" spindles range from 24-30 dollars

Neo-Classical (Spinderella) Round  2 3/4" spindles run 20 dollars each

Neo-Classical (Spinderella) Octagonal 2 3/4" spindles run 25 dollars 

each

Newel posts range from 125-750dollars

Exterior porch posts 5  1/2" X 10' range from 500-700 dollars

Exterior porch posts 7 1/2" X 12' range from 700-950 dollars

Column shafts 10" X 10' range from 900-1500 dollars...fluted add 

app.350 dollars

Column shafts 14" X12' range from 1500-2200 dollars...fluted add app. 

425 dollars

Column bases for 10'' range from 250-350 dollars

Column bases for 14" range from 300-450 dollars