Can picture rail be produced from a template?

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by Possom, Oct 12, 2019.

  1. Possom

    Possom Member

    I have a 30 cm section of vintage picture rail. How feasible is it that a joiner/carpenter/woodworker can produce identical lengths of picture rail from this template?

    Enough for the four walls of a room.

    Thanks.
     
  2. ginger tuffs

    ginger tuffs Screwfix Select

    very easy if you have section of it to copy
     
    Possom likes this.
  3. Possom

    Possom Member

    That's good to hear - thanks.

    Out of curiosity, is that just done "by eye" or do they use some type of tool which makes a copy of it?
     
  4. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Spindle moulder is one way,can get profile cutter custom made of your picture rail, all depends on complexity of the profile being copied.
    Another way is to use a selection of cutters to build up the profile of your picture rail.
    You also might find someone else has already copied your picture rail & lengths are readily available

    upload_2019-10-12_13-51-37.jpeg
     
    Possom likes this.
  5. Possom

    Possom Member

    To me, the profile doesn't appear to be particularly complex.

    Is getting a custom made profile cutter made expensive?
     
  6. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    I’ve had skirting board made up for me to match existing, used a local joinery firm and they did a superb job - couldn’t tell the old from the new (this was following removal of a chimney breast and wanted to keep original skirts

    Obviously, your paying a premium for this service so expect a much higher per meter cost than off the shelf

    You can sometimes match timber profiles by searching around and using 2 or more timber trims/mouldings glued together

    It may seem unlikely but could be a section of skirting board with matching part profile cut off, joined with a piece of beading or trim to match the overall original piece

    Would be worth a visit to any local timber yards to see if they have anything close, look at the trim/bead selections they have in those square cubby hole displays

    I’ve matched up picture rail before by using 2 trims, 1 cut down to give me the part I needed and finished with a whole trim. Couldn’t believe it but was 99% accurate to the original and no-one could spot the 1% difference

    This will work out cheaper than having custom made, even if it results in some wastage

    So visit some local joinerys and get a price, also take a look at some wood yards

    Also worth looking online. It’s great to support local businesses but unfortunately, a much bigger range of trims and profiles available online. Not the same as seeing by eye but will have detailed measurements available

    But in answer to your question, yes you can get mouldings made up to match originals

    Post a picture of what your trying to match -
     
    stevie22 and KIAB like this.
  7. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    There are quite a few picture rail profiles readily available depending on the period, in soft/hard wood,mdf,etc.
     
    Astramax likes this.
  8. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Can you post a picture of the section you want made as I have made a few for customers myself and you wouldn't know the difference, were to a cutter to be made up the charge for making one was the expensive part. Architectural Salvage yards are also a good source as can ebay.
     
  9. Possom

    Possom Member

    The back of the profile measures 45 mm.
    rail2.jpg
     
  10. Possom

    Possom Member

  11. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    How much do you require?
     
  12. Possom

    Possom Member

    It would be x4 lengths - about 3.50 metres each though I'd need to check the exact measurements.
     
  13. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Go to ebay and put this number into the search box 183815667156
     
    KIAB, WillyEckerslike and Possom like this.
  14. The Teach

    The Teach Screwfix Select

    have had many picture,dado rails,door mouldings and skirting boards made from unpainted sample's. After staining or paint they look very good & the last estate agent mentioned the timber as being original ;) sales bumff.

    although we have moved to the coast,we still use this timber merchant. They will set up their mill and out pop's the product,absolutely excellent :)
    http://www.w-hanson.co.uk/W.Hanson-Timber-&-Builders-Merchant-Services-to-the-trade.html

    not been there for 11 months,just hope there still in business ;)
     
    KIAB likes this.
  15. Possom

    Possom Member

    Thanks for this - it's a better match than anything which I've seen at my local big box DIY store.

    I hadn't realised picture rail repro was available on eBay. I'll take a look through the listings.
     
  16. The Teach

    The Teach Screwfix Select

    Opps,no it cant be reproduced from a template. The above mention company need 300mm of unpainted timber and they will reproduce that as much as yo want.
     
  17. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

  18. Possom

    Possom Member

    House dates from early 1930s. Perhaps they just used an old profile which someone happened to have...
     
  19. Possom likes this.
  20. Jord86

    Jord86 Screwfix Select

    That’s primarily an Astragal profile mixed with Torus and a scotia mould. Type Astragal picture rail into google and see what comes up.
     
    Possom likes this.

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