How to Build a Three-Sided Hollow Fluted Column

Cutout

• 1

  Cut your column face from 3/4 inch thick plywood at least 1 1/2 inches wider than any element you intend to cover with the wrap, using a table saw. Set the blade angle on the saw to 45 degrees. Adjust the fence so that the blade runs through the top corner of the board along the long edge to bevel it. Cut both edges on this bevel.

• 2

  Make your side panels from 3/ 4 inch thick plywood at least 3/4 inches wider than the depth of any object you intend to cover. Cut the front long edge of each side piece at the 45-degree bevel, the same as the sides of the front piece.

• 3

  Unplug the saw and remove the blade by turning the nut in the center of the blade counterclockwise. Install a 1/4 inch thick dado set, which typically consists of two stacked blades. Replace and tighten the nut clockwise. Set the depth of the blade to 1/4 inch deep. Adjust the fence of the saw so the blade will run down the center of the front column piece.

• 4

  Start the saw and run the column front over the blade, with the beveled edges down, to cut a center flute down the middle of the column. Adjust the fence so it is 1 inch further from the blade than the center cut. Run the front over the blade again to cut a flute 1 inch from the first. Turn the front piece so that the opposite edge is against the fence, then make the cut again.

• 5

  Adjust the fence again and repeat the process until the front of the column is fluted as desired. Do the same with the column side pieces.

Assembly

• 6

  Apply wood glue along the mitered edges of the front piece and nail the two sides to it, using a pin nail gun, so that the mitered edges match up to create a three-sided column.

• 7

  Measure the face of the column and cut two pieces of 3/4 inch thick baseboard 1 1/2 inches longer than the width of the face. Put 45-degree miters on each end.

• 8

  Measure the sides and cut two pieces of molding 3/4 inches longer than each side with one mitered end. Cut one at the left end and the other at the right.

• 9

  Glue and nail the baseboard to the column at the top and bottom ends, fitting the mitered ends together to form 90-degree corners.