How to Make Identical Table Legs on a Wood Lathe
by Woodshop Mike in Workshop > Woodworking
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How to Make Identical Table Legs on a Wood Lathe
It can be a daunting task to make duplicates of any item. That's especially true when it comes to spindle turning. So, today I'm going to walk you through my process to make a set of identical table legs! If you're interested in making this exact leg, well you're in luck because I have a template available on my site!
Check out the video above for the build! If you like it, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and checkout some of my other projects while you're there!
Supplies
ISOtunes Pro - https://amzn.to/2So7fkQ
RZ mask M2 - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Wood Lathe - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Table saw (new version) - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Turning Chisels - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Outside Calipers - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Woodpeckers square - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Woodpeckers Paolini 6" pocket rule - https://amzn.to/2N8OjIb
Make Story Stick
The first thing to do is make what's called a story stick. This is basically a road map for all of the length and diameters needed to create the leg.
Simply put, you trace the profile onto a piece of material (cardboard, hardboard, or plywood) making sure the design is parallel to the edges of your story stick. Then using a square, draw lines from the feature transitions across the story stick.
Prepare Stock for Legs
Once the stock is to the proper width and thickness, make sure all of the legs are to the same length.
Then mark the center on each end, and set the spur drive into one end.
With the piece mounted on the lathe, hold the story stick up to the stock, and transfer the marks. For this particular piece, I only transfer the marks for the pommel cut (transition from round to square) and turn all of the material in between each pommel to the largest diameter in my design.
Cut Remaining Features
With all of the transition lines marked it's time to measure the diameter of each feature using a pair of outside calipers.
Once the feature is close to size, use the calipers to check the diameter. If you're new to turning, turn the lathe off each time you check the diameter of a feature.
Continue using the template to reference different feature diameters until the leg is turned!
Completed Set of Legs!
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As you see, this Instructable doesn't go into the technique of turning, but rather covers my approach to making duplicate items by hand. If you'd be interested in me discussing the techniques behind turning the different elements of this table leg, just let me know!
If you have a go at this tag #woodshopmike on Instagram and let me know how it goes!
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As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments. And until next time, have fun making something!