Replies

1. 
   bigtop | Feb 26, 2009 06:18pm | #1

   I have... what would you like to know?  I start by marking out the fillet at the top of the molding, then chop down to that level.  I then roughly waste about a 45 degree angle down to the lower fillet (there is usually a bead there, too).  I attached some photos that might explain a bit better... the photos are of a gooseneck for a highboy, but the process is the same.  I never waste my time with routers and machines - too time consuming for too little advantage.  Notice that in the photos the edge that is to be mitered doesn't get carved until the miters are done and put together - this ensures that they match.

   
1. 
   gizzo | Feb 26, 2009 07:55pm | #4

   Do finish the surface with contoured scrapers?

1. 
   bigtop | Feb 26, 2009 09:38pm | #5

   Yes... I make a lot of my own scrapers from saw blades.

1. 
   gizzo | Feb 26, 2009 11:55pm | #7

   Do you have a picture of the finished molding?

1. 
   bigtop | Feb 27, 2009 02:46am | #8

   No, but if you go to http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Gallery/GalleryImage.aspx?id=30910

   this is the highboy it comes from.

2. 
   danmart | Feb 26, 2009 07:21pm | #2

   There are a couple of ways you can do this combining power tools and handtools. Theres no way to do the whole job with the hand tools so there will be some carving involved.

   I remove the concave portion of the neck with a pin router and an index pin to follow. You can also rig it on a router table.

   I believe Lonnie Bird has a section on this subject in his book Shaping Wood.

   You can carve the entire piece as another option. With softer woods its not too tough. With hard maple it might be worth thinking of the router.

   Good Luck

1. 
   bigtop | Feb 26, 2009 09:41pm | #6

   The molding for a clock is so small, I can finish with hand tools before I could get the setup done for a router of any kind.  Of course, my prejudice is showing - I hate routers with their horrible noise and dust flying everywhere.

3. 
   danmart | Feb 26, 2009 07:28pm | #3

   Take a look at these 2 responses on knots.

   32581.3

   7114.6

   good luck

   dan