Flutes
December 10th, 2007 · 6 Comments
An architectural term used in woodworking and design. 
The flute is a hollowed out vertical groove milled or carved into columns to add a sleeker and more decorative look. This process has been around a long time!
I believe it was the ancient Greeks that started fluting their columns first, but who really knows. We’re just happy they did!
Probably some old Greek whittling away on a column and his hand slipped! “Put a gouge in it and the flute was born” (sounds good to me!)
I would imagine that nowadays most fluting is done with a router or molder and not by hand. In my experiences the router has always given me the best job. It’s pretty simple; all you need is a plunge router with an edge guide, core box routing bit and a little practice. (I have no idea why it’s called core box bit). We just call it a fluting bit! There available from a ¼”to1” wide and there is no right or wrong way to add fluting to your projects Just remember, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!
Here are a few examples of some fluting in our work
Tags: Bars · Cabinetry · Mantels
6 responses so far ↓
1 kevin // Dec 10, 2007 at 3:41 am
A Core Box is used to make cores for metal casting. If a casting needs a hollow center, a core is used in the mold to keep the molten metal out of the place it needs not to be. Put the core in and the casting will have hole in the middle.
The core box is split in two with flutes cut in either side so that the cores will be round. Put the peices together, pack it with sand and other stuff and bake it, then you have cores for your casting.
Core box bits can be used to make semi-circular grooves in the two sides if the core box which will form a circular pattern.
I just found your site tonight, I am an amature wood worker and an aspiring backyard foundry man. Keep up the good work, I will be adding your web site to my favorites list!
2 Bryan // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:23 am
Thanks Kevin, this has been one of thoese questions that has been floating around my head for a long, long time!
3 Ron Bontz // Jan 30, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Beautiful work. I would like to see better pics. with some close ups. Nice eye for design.
4 Pop in training // Jan 31, 2008 at 12:59 am
Try clicking on the picture. It should bring it closer.
5 chris herwerth // Sep 24, 2008 at 3:50 pm
i could use some help
6 Bryan // Sep 26, 2008 at 6:51 pm
What’s up Chris ?
Leave a Comment