cutting window and door openings...

Post by **Howard** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:34 pm

Good evening…

Here’s a simple technique I use to cut window and door openings…I know there are other ways…and they all work…but the method outlined below works well for me…it’s quick and accurate…and the finished corners are really sharp and clean…

1. Layout the opening…use a pencil with a sharp point and a good ruler…I use the C-Through brand number B-70...

2. Define the corners…use a standard push pin…these small holes become the corners…see the photo below…I have a series of round hole punches for the top arch of doors…

3. Cut out the opening…a sharp craft knife and a steel edge ruler are recommended…put the tip of the knife in one hole…slowly make the cut in several passes to the next corner hole…you’ll actually “feel” where the cut stops when the knife tip reaches the hole…

You might want to practice on a cardboard scrap to get the “feel” of the knife starting in one hole and finishing in the next one…

I’ll post a follow up on how the cut doors and windows without a large hole punch later…especially those with an arch top that is not an exact half circle…

My very best regards…

Howard…

Post by **paulrace** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:43 am

Then for some of us, bandage fingers.

Thanks for sharing this, Howard!

Post by **maria** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:48 am

hahahahahhahahahahaha--I have my own system now for cutting windows and doors but will have to give this a try!

Barb · Post by **Barb** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 1:16 pm

Hi Howard, thanks for posting such detailed instructions and pix... it is always VERY clear how to proceed! I think I'll give this a shot because I like the nice tight corners your method produces.

On another cutting note, someone on this site (Steve, maybe?) mentioned a guy on ETSY who makes custom steel rule dies that can be used with a hammer or arbor press. Long story short, I ordered one and my scalloped cutter for making fence and balcony tops was shipped today and I am very excited to try this out! Keep you posted with the results...

Barb

Post by **PutzinVT** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 1:35 pm

Barb:

Please keep us posted. I had posted that ETSY site a while back.

I was thinking of a doorway shaped one.

I love to hear how your fence one works.

Steve

Post by **Howard** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:09 pm

Barb...I would like to see pix of both the die and the cardboard it cut...Do you think you will attach die to an arbor press?

Howard

Barb · Post by **Barb** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:35 pm

I haven't a clue how to do that, Howard, nor do I have an arbor press. Although I do see one for sale for about $40 at Harbor Freight. I'm hoping that when I get the cutter it will be more obvious to me what i need to do.... if not, you may be sure I will come knocking!

I'll send pix of all when I get the cutter and give it a whack. Thanks for the tip, Steve!

Post by **Howard** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:54 pm

Barb...I'll be glad to help...I've looked at the harbour freight arbor press...and have a few ideas...after the die arrives and you post pix on forum...I'll be in contact direct with you off the forum...I'll have a few questions...then I'll post mounting suggestions with drawings...

Howard...

Barb · Post by **Barb** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:02 pm

Thanks Howard!

Post by **BrianB** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:41 pm

Barb, I too CANT WAIT to see pics of the die!!

I will personally vouch for Howard's method, it is GRRrrrrrrrEAT! He sent me details a while back and I have used it on ALL but one of my houses with paper mullion windows. You can really feel when the tip of the blade hits the pin hole letting you know to STOP!

Having a brand new sharp blade is key.