Use an arbor press to cut out windows and doors.

This forum is a place for our readers to pass on things they've figured out that will help other readers. Several folks who are experienced in building, collecting, and displaying putz houses stop by frequently, so check back for new ideas, and add some yourself. Any suggestions you have, things you've learned that you'd like to pass on, weird problems you need help with, all are welcome here. - Paul
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Lucy
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Use an arbor press to cut out windows and doors.

Post by Lucy »

A member here asked about using an arbor press for cutting out windows and doors. I wrote a blog post about it, but I'll also post the essential information here for those who are interested. The arbor press I bought cost somewhere between $40-60 from Harbor Freight tools, I don't really remember. I've been using it for about 2 years, I think. The set of 39 dies some of which are very close to the standard sizes of windows and doors for Putz houses can be found for as low as $9. I figure you could also find an arbor press or drill press at a garage sale for much cheaper.

The other thing you need is a plastic cutting board and a way to support the cutting board. My brother made me a plywood stand that supports. That's it.

I think the photos tell the story pretty well.

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. I really think as a putz-making tool it is absolutely worth it.

More photos on my blog - https://paperglitterglue.com/make-putz-house-windows/

Take care. Lucy
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Arbor press in the plywood stand my brother made for me.
Arbor press in the plywood stand my brother made for me.
IMG_5297.jpg (40.54 KiB) Viewed 17285 times
Arbor press with the cutting board and die in place ready for cutting
Arbor press with the cutting board and die in place ready for cutting
IMG_5302.jpg (37.85 KiB) Viewed 17285 times
Hole cut out and the die with the cardboard in the middle
Hole cut out and the die with the cardboard in the middle
IMG_5308.jpg (35.38 KiB) Viewed 17285 times
Die to cut windows
Die to cut windows
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I like this size window die because it works so well with the commercial dies for window frames
I like this size window die because it works so well with the commercial dies for window frames
IMG_5310.jpg (35.68 KiB) Viewed 17285 times
Last edited by Lucy on Sat Jul 21, 2018 3:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
maria
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Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:32 pm

Re: Use an arbor press to cut out windows and doors.

Post by maria »

Neat!
Lucy
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Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2015 4:58 pm
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Re: Use an arbor press to cut out windows and doors.

Post by Lucy »

Here's a photo of the dies that I use that I use the most. There are some funky shaped dies in the set that I've never used. You can find some that work will with most of the vintage windows and doors. Or you can combine them to make them fit.

I hope you find this useful.

Lucy
https://paperglitterglue.com/make-putz-house-windows/
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IMG_5350.jpg
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Howard
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Re: Use an arbor press to cut out windows and doors.

Post by Howard »

Lucy...

i'm going to personally nominate this tutorial and the detailed info you've provided as "tip of the year"...this is an outstanding contribution to the growing wealth of info here on the forum and on you excellent blog...

my very best regards...

Howard...
View my Little Glitter House Photo Album
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO ... x5Mm9MTFd3
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