Ball and Claw Legs

peven | Posted in General Discussion on January 2, 2006 04:22am

I was wondering if there is a book or website out there that shows how to make ball and claw table legs. I am new to wood working and enjoy the look of the ball and claw legs. I know Rockler and a few other suppliers sell them but I would like to learn myself.

Paul

Replies

RonK | Jan 02, 2006 05:13pm | #1
American Furniture of the 18th Century By Jeffrey P. Green ISBN1-56158-104-6 Taunton Press on pages 157 - 160 gives a good description of carving a ball and claw foot. There is also a VHS tape produced by Taunton called Carve a Ball and Claw Foot with Phil Lowe. I don't know if Taunton still has it available but I was able to find one with no trouble doing a Google search.

North Bennet Street School gives a three day course usually once a year but they just had one in December so I don't think they will schedule another real soon. The North Bennet Street course was originally designed by Will Neptune. I know Will has given this course at various locations around the country in the past. I believe Woodcraft has hosted it in some locations and some of the larger woodworking schools have also had the course given by Will. You might check and see if any have it coming up in the coming year. He is an excellent instructor and it would be worth the trip to take the course.
jhounshell | Jan 02, 2006 05:32pm | #2
There are several pdf's about ball and claw feet that can be downloaded from this website if you are a member. I paid a one month membership and downloaded the articles that I found of interest to me. For the price of $7.99, you might want to give that a try.
pzgren | Jan 02, 2006 10:17pm | #3
FWW's book, <<In the 18th Century Style>> has a chapter on making an oval Chippendale stool that has a very detailed section on making ball & claw feet.

Also, Lonnie Bird's book, <<Period Furniture Details>> has a detailed section on making ball & claw feet (and several other styles).
TTalma | Jan 02, 2006 11:04pm | #4
You might want to check with the Olde mill Cabinet shop (http://www.oldemill.com) Gene Landon teaches a class on making a ball and claw.

Great class and a great teacher!
mcain | Jan 03, 2006 04:44pm | #5
Taunton has a video out by Phil Lowe on carving Ball and Claw feet that is excellent. I watched the video several times and took and actual class with Phil - it was well worth it...