Choose router bits with profiles that complement existing woodwork.
Medium Density Fibercore, commonly known as MDF, is a highly consistent and versatile wood composite used in the construction of furniture, moldings and other interior woodwork. Columns are typically trimmed with pedestals, or bases and capitals, also known as crown. To get a consistent finish, it is best make all pieces from the same material and MDF is excellent for routing and shaping, resulting in clean and crisp trim pieces.
Instructions
1. Measure the column front to back and side to side. Cut enough 3/4-inch thick MDF into strips 4 3/4-inches wide to wrap around all four sides of the column at the top and bottom. Use a table saw to make the cuts.
2. Install a 3/4-inch bearing bit in your choice of edge profile, such as a roman ogee, into your router. Set the depth so that the bearing will ride along the bottom edge of the 3/4-inch MDF.
3. Run the router along one long edge of the MDF strips. Clamp the strips to your work table with C clamps for stability. Work from right to left using both hands. Position the router on the MDF, with the bit just off the edge before starting the motor. Allow the router to come to full speed before beginning the cut and keep it moving at a steady pace.
4. Choose a cove molding bit with bearing and repeat the routing process with the remaining long edge of the MDF. Set the table saw to cut a 3/4-inch wide strip and cut the cove routed edge from the strip to use as a base shoe at the bottom of the column.
5. Miter four pieces of the 4-inch tall molding you routed to fit the four faces of the column. Cut a 45-degree miter on each short end, one right and one left, with the long edge of the miter on the face of the molding.
6. Nail these in place around the base of the column with at least three finish nails in each piece. Match the corners up for crisp, clean joints. Repeat the mitering and 4-inch-tall molding around the top of the column as well.
7. Cut four pieces of the 3/4-inch cove molding to fit around the 4-inch-tall molding at the base and four pieces for the top. Miter the ends as for the taller molding. Glue and nail these around the base of the column, flush with the floor and around the top, flush with the ceiling.
Tags: four pieces, long edge, 4-inch-tall molding, around base,