CuttIng UPVC quadrant nightmare

CuttIng UPVC quadrant nightmare

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RZ1

Original Poster:

4,316 posts

205 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
I'm currently working on fixing up a 1930's home I bought a few months ago. Planning on moving in at the weekend.
The last job to do was to tidy up the internal window frames. I removed the old strips and purchased some upvc quadrant strips from wickes, these ones:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-PVCu-White-Quadrant...

Problem is im having an absolute nightmare trying to get the angled corners correct. I've been using my mitre saw and just can't get the corners right, wife has been telling me I should just try to get as close as possible then fill the gaps with decorator caulk, however I want to get it right.

So how do I get the corners correct, I've been considering buying one of these but not sure if it will be any good:
Mitre Shears/Mitre Angle Trim/PVC Decking Cutter https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CIVVAGM/ref=cm_sw_r...

How on earth do I get the cuts right????


Big Al.

68,798 posts

257 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
On light UPVC & wooden trims etc I've always used my modelling gear!

Examples here:-

https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/mitre-box

Or

https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/aluminium-mi...

Used with a small razor saw, or in kit form

https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/mitre-box-no...



Eddie Strohacker

3,879 posts

85 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
A mitre box will only give you a strict 45 degree cut & the last time a 1930's house would have had a square window aperture is on the architect's drawing.

One way you can get them right is to measure the angle & set a mitre saw. You can also practice on bits of scrap until you've nailed the angle crack on from there. Mitres can be a pain but good ones are a thing of beauty. Decent set of tips here.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/carpentry/trim-carp...

Edited by Eddie Strohacker on Sunday 23 July 22:41

andy43

9,548 posts

253 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
I'm assuming you're using upvc as the windows are upvc. Silicone sealant is the best way. Or use timber quadrant and Decorators filler on timber frames.

sospan

2,469 posts

221 months

Monday 24th July 2017
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Measure the actual angle then cut the mitres to that angle. A bevel gauge is one way to get the angle measurement.

Squishey

567 posts

127 months

Monday 24th July 2017
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You'll need a sliding bevel, compasses and a pencil. Use the sliding bevel to get the angle of the corner of the window and lock it. Place the bevel on a scrap piece of timber and scribe the angle on to it. Now, using the compasses bisect the angle - this gives you half of the angle of the corner of the window. Set your saw to this angle and cut your quadrant, do the same for all four corners.

mgtony

4,014 posts

189 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
This may be stating the obvious, but you are resting the quadrant on one of the two outer flat edges up against the mitre saw fence and not on its flat back??
If one end has a square end, cut the 45 degree first and just use a file or an electric sanding disc to get it spot on, then trim to length. If it has a mitre both ends, get one end to fit with it slightly over length then use an off-cut to get the other end correct and copy it to the finished piece.Trying to dissect each angle over about 15mm is going to be a pain. smile

thebraketester

14,192 posts

137 months

Monday 24th July 2017
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Wife is right. Get it close enough... and caulk it up. Paint it. You won't see it. (Similar to coving)

seeby

1,807 posts

169 months

Monday 24th July 2017
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Get the mitre as close as you can with the mitre saw and then trim up with a Stanley knife with a straight blade.