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Carve a Flame Finial
with Philip C. Lowe

Learn how to craft this classic corkscrew finial. It’s the perfect topper for a high boy, tall clock, or even a balustrade. This series includes:

  • Making a story stick for easy layout
  • Turning an elegant urn-shaped base
  • Carving and shaping a mahogany swirl
  • A downloadable plan for online members
Start

(Membership required. More info.)
Garrett Hack

Philip C. Lowe got his first taste of woodworking while serving in the Navy, and he's been a professional since 1968. Lowe owns and operates the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts.

To learn more about the author, watch our video Q&A with Lowe from his workshop. Watch it now

Videos in This Series

PART ONE: Make a Cabriole Leg
Learn how to make this quintessential Queen Anne leg. This series covers turning a pad foot with minimal tooling. Rough out the leg shape. And fairing the leg to completion with hand tools.
Patterns

Watch it Now: Make a Story Stick

Use a story stick for easy and accurate layout
Turn a Pad Foot

Watch it Now: Turn the Base


Turn the urn-shaped base and rough out the flame finial shape.
Rough Shape on Bandsaw

Watch it Now: Carve the Corkscrew

Layout and carve a soft-serve like swirl. Use the lathe to hold the workpiece down.

Watch it Now: Make an Indexing Wheel

Get tips on making a shopmade indexing wheel for your lathe. Use it for laying out and carving projects like a flame finial or Sheraton-style leg.


MORE FROM THIS SERIES: Make a Cabriole Leg
Learn how to turn and carve a cabriole leg. This series covers turning on the rough shape on the lathe, layout, and carving.
Sturdy Back

WATCH IT NOW: Make a Cabriole Leg

Learn how to make this quintessential Queen Anne leg. This series covers turning a pad foot with minimal tooling. Rough out the leg shape. And fairing the leg to completion with hand tools.


PART THREE: Make a Sheraton-Style Leg
Learn how to turn and carve a Sheraton-style leg. This series covers turning on the rough shape on the lathe, layout, and carving.
Sheraton-Style Leg

WATCH IT NOW: Make a Sheraton-Style Leg

Watch how to make this classic Sheraton leg with reeding. Lowe shares tips for easy and accurate layout. He also uses a shopmade scratch stock for speedy reed carving with a simple scratch stock.


MORE VIDEO WORKSHOPS

Don't miss our other video workshops that guide you through each step of making a workbench, small cabinet, bookcase, dining chair, and more.

More than an hour of how-to instruction with expert furniture makers