Project 5 the Hearse Student's Thread

[Frank-y]

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This week, I faced the second really challenging situation when I had to figure out the columns prior being able to get the floor dimension. I read somewhere on the net about someone experiencing flying pvc pipes while trying to cut pvc pipes on a table saw and I was determind not to live that stressful situation.

After studying the thing a bit, I saw that I'd have to cut the pipe in half for the sides of the hearse and to knock off one quarter for the corners. The first operation is not that complicated except for the fact that I'd need to cut the pipe exactly two equal parts. Nevertheless, that sense of dividing and marking becomes way more important for the corner cuts.

To overcome the problem and find a way to precisely mark the cuts on the pvc pipe, I started by previously mark perpendicular lines on a piece of wood prior turning it on the lathe into a cylinder that fits snug inside the pipe. That allowed me to mark accuratly four quarters (picture P351) on the pipe.

Next, the hold the pipe while cutting it, I knew that the outside diameter of my pipe was 3 1/2 inches (remember that my hearse is scaled down to 60% of the usual size so I used 3" PVC pipes) half of the height was then 1 3/4". I cut a strip of plywood and attached it to the PVC pipe with screws located on the upper edge of the strip (picture P352). That plywood strip (added to the rip fence) will provide both support and alignment for the pipe as the cuts will be made (plywood strip positioned vertically for the first cut P353 and flat on the tablesaw surface for the last cut P354).

As for the flying pipe matter, I would suggest using a panel cutting blade (as shown in P355) or as it is often used when cutting vinyl siding, mounting, the carbide blade backward (teeth facing the back).

Of course, all this piece of advice remains purely theoretical for the moment because I haven't had the time the perform the real cuts yet. I'll let you know how it went.

[Evil Bob]

Looks great! I did something similar when i cut my columns. And I did launch a 4" diameter PVC missile across the yard with the saw.

[Frank-y]

Well, I'm pleased to say that my set-up worked wonder. Tonight, I was able to cur all the columns halves and three quarters on the table saw with no problem. The panelling blade also prooved to be the right choice for this application.

Unfortunately for you guys, I don't have any picture to show this time, I had already explained the corner cuts and for the halves, I used a 4x4 to sandwich the pipe between the rip fence so it won't move and the cut ended-up straight.

The only thing you should be VERY cautious about is that when you perform the first cut, the PVC pipe has a bad tendancy to close on itself at the end of the cut, thus pinching the blade which could turn into a PVC missile (as Bob experienced) if you're not prudent.

I expect to be able to cut and mount the side walls this week-end (the floor is already done), so I'll try to keep you guys up as soon as possible.

[Evil Bob]

I remember that I used a bandsaw to do the cutting back in 2001. Much safer than using a table saw. Fewer missiles.

[Frank-y]

Are there some Lucky Luke fans out there ?
This vulture is intended to stand on top of my hearse just like you often see in Lucky Luke cartoons (anytime the undertaker is in town)
I know what some of you will say, why is he working on accessories instead of working on the hearse ?
Well, I really don't know, I guess it changes my mind when I get stuck. I must admit, those side walls with all the column details are way lot more complicated than I expected.
Nevertheless, I promise to post some hearse pictures within a week. As for the vulture, only minor paint touch-up are required

[Evil Bob]

Awesome!! It's all about details.

Are there some Lucky Luke fans in here ?
This vulture is intended to stand on my hearse just like you often see in Lucky Luke cartoons (anytime the undertaker was in town)
I know what some of you will say, why is he working on accessories instead of working on the hearse ?
Well, I really don't know, I guess it changes my mind when I get stuck. I must admit, those side walls with all the column details are way lot more complicated than I expected.
Nevertheless, I promise to post some hearse pictures within a week. As for the vulture, only minor paint touch-up are required

[HallowSusieBoo]

http://www.halloweenforum.com/member...susieboo-album

Hallow and Hi all -
Not sure if I have posted the link to my profile page album correctly, but for those looking for a quick and relatively easy plan for axles and under-carriage support, you may like to try our idea. . . check out the related albums. There are about 5 that show our hearse build start to finish, since I posted in sequence. You have to click on the "Show all albums" link below the Albums section that appears on the main page.
As you can tell from our albums and pics, we would benefit from that wonderful vulture and skelly horse!! Nice work Frank-y and Evil Bob! Our hearse is also scaled down and plus it comes apart for shed storage. That vulture and skelly horse is all we need!!!

[4ToUov]

That vulture has Lucky Luke all over him.... Awesome!!!

[Frank-y]

Hi all,

Here is my in-progress hearse. According to my schedule, I should comlete the roof next week, the driver's seat the following, the front drive assembly the next and the interior (curtains, window glass,etc...) the last week-end of september.

That leaves me with no spare time as few minor things might need to be done before installation.

I probably won't have enought time to make some final details such as finials for the columns bottom and for the roof corners, but I guess it doen't need to be perfect since it will be displayed only few days.

As you'll see in the pictures attached, I chose lauan veneer which prooved to be way too weak to support anything even its own weight. So, I had to make a frame on which to glue the lauan veneer used to the curved windows.

[Evil Bob]

Here's mine in progress. Finally had good weather.