How to Make Rounded Table Legs

Setting Up

• 1

  Set your wood stock on end. Mark a diagonal line between opposing corners on the top end of the stock with a pencil and straight edge. Mark another diagonal line between the other opposing corners on the same end. Flip the wood over and repeat the process on that end.

• 2

  Drive a hole into the intersection of the two lines with an awl and mallet. Do this for both ends. This is the mounting hole for the drive center of your lathe.

• 3

  Tap the drive center into the hole of one end with the mallet. Repeat the step with the other end and another drive center. Mount the stock to the lathe at the tail end first. Apply pressure to the tailstock to hold it as you mount the other end to the lathe.

• 4

  Determine the amount of space that is to remain square on the leg at the top. This space is called the pommel. Use a square measure and pencil to mark the shoulder, or end, of the pommel. Draw the line across the face of each side of the stock.

• 5

  Draw the intended design on a board as a template. Set the template on the tool rest. Mark your stock with the intended design using the template. Adjust the tool rest to fit the stock being used.

• 6

  Apply a fine mill file to the ends of your calipers. Sand down the ends with 220-grit sandpaper. This provides a more accurate detailing with the calipers.

Using the Lathe

• 7

  Use a parting tool to cut a line 1 1/8 inches to the right of the line drawn on the stock. Place the handle of the tool low to the wood in order to make clear and precise cuts 1 1/8 inches to the right of the line drawn on the stock. Use light cuts to start, deepening them as you reach the depth desired. Repeat the cut to the left of the previous cut until you reach the drawn line.

• 8

  Rough out the shape of the leg with a roughing gouge to the diameter desired. This is also the tool used to make large contours.

• 9

  Measure critical diameters with a caliper with rounded edges and your parting tool. Set the caliper on the opposite side of the stock from the parting tool. Keep the wood in contact with the tool rest to ensure accuracy in measuring.

• 10

  Point the long tip of a skew chisel downward on the wood, and use it to add contrast and shadows. Use parting tools to make contour shapes.

• 11

  Stop the lathe and examine the leg frequently to ensure accuracy and catch mistakes. Remove the stock from the lathe. Stand the leg upright to examine it.

• 12

  Sand the leg with the lathe turning. This provides a smoother finish and eliminates flat spots.