plantation shutter

[tangel]

I,m new at this I would like to make some plantation shutters so I need all kind of help how to make them and where to get parts. Thanks for any help

[dusty]

I have no experience making plantation shutters - but I know who does:

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=801

Check out thread #8. While you're there - check out the beutiful work this guy does.

[charlese]

I,m new at this I would like to make some plantation shutters so I need all kind of help how to make them and where to get parts. Thanks for any help

Tangel - I'm just a beginner with plantation shutters (I've only "almost" completed the first one - maybe 9 or ten to go). I feel for you, in your effort to find information. Here is a list of the INTERNET sites I found most helpful:

http://www.shuttermedic.com/
http://www.martinshutters.com/
http://www.buyplantationshutters.com/shutters/components.html
http://www.woodline.com/v2/p-1775-pin-tensioner-accessory-kit.aspx
http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=812-395
http://www.woodsmith.com/files/issues/151/window-shutters.pdf
http://www.profhdwr.com/34500.htm
http://www.woodline.com/v2/c-63-case-moulding.aspx

A big consideration (probably the biggest) is in the planning! Do you want shutters to be mounted on the inside wall, or on a frame that you build? (a frame will probably be the easiest) (I elected to build shutters that will fit inside the window well - this will save space in the room, but is more difficult to fit.) It will require a little more wood to build the frame, but you can easily make your shutters to fit your frame.

Do you want hinged shutters? There is a variety of hinges for shutters.

How are you going to size and shape the louvers? You can have flat louvers, or tapered louvers. If you want tapered louvers, the best way I found is to rout the tapers. Woodline USA has the only bit I've found to do this job. They used to have a Shutter router bit kit. (WL-2055) But I find it is no longer available on the Net. Maybe if you give them a phone call, they can find one. The Kit came in a wooden box that holds three bits. The most important one they still have (it is sold separately as part No. WL-1433). The other two bits can be found almost anywhere. They are a rabbeting bit (no guide bearing) and a beading bit.

One of these sites at Woodline USA holds a PDF that actually is an instruction article on how to make Plantation Shutters. Whoops - I didn't include it in the list, but here's how to get there: At the Home page of Woodline USA, click on "INSTRUCTIONS" (at the right side of the heavy blue field), then look down the appearing list to click on "Plantation Shutters". This is a valuable PDF. I suggest printing a copy.

Best wishes! If you have any questions - just ask!

P.S. Forgot another! Go to www.newyankeeworkshop.com and look up plans for plantation shutters. Might as well also buy the DVD. It's all about jigs. I didn't follow his plans, but might have saved effort if I had!

I was also somewhat mistaken about the router bit set (WL-2055). It is a 5 piece set containing the molding bit (as mentioned above) and a 3/4"x1" straight bit, a rabbet bit 1 1/2"x3/4" (and it has a pilot bearing), a roundover bit 1 1/8"xR1/4", and the coving bit 3/4"xR1/8". This was a good deal, as it cost only $64.40 delivered and came in a wooden box. The molding bit by itself costs $38.00.