I’m attempting to do what appears to be a most simple operation, but I’m having my problems!
I am trying to fashion a simple, tapered table leg, having a 4″ apron, and leg length below the apron of 19.5″ that begins a “splay” at this point of about one degree forward and one degree to the outside.
Using a straight “blank” and laying out the leg as mentioned, I wind up with a point where the splay begins that is about one/eighth of an inch in from the edge of the blank. This is where the vertical part of the apron portion of the leg ends and the splay of the rest of the leg begins.
From the point it is a straight line back to the top of the apron portion and a straight line to the foot of the leg.
But since my blanks are an inch and three quarters on each side, and I want the apron portion to be one and eleven/sixteenths on each side:
>> How do I trim this miniscule portion from the legs?
Band saw? Yes! I’ve tried that but cannot get the perfection of cut I want (i.e: straight line). At this time it seems to me like I will have to continue with this method, and then use a block plane and card scraper to give me the requisite straight line needed.
Using the table saw and a taper jig would work fine except that I would still have that portion where the two straight lines come together to clean out with the abovementioned plane and scraper.
Confused? Please ask for additional input!
Thanks.
Replies
You could mark the line, clamp a piece of straight but longer timber as a guide, and plane with a #5 set pretty fine or similar. The guide will prevent the rocking (and convex shape) that is pretty hard to avoid with a very short section by making use of the plane's length.
Dave
Thanks for the input. I tried your method and got satisfactory results (and will cut the other three legs the same way, I think). Using walnut, I was able to plane it across the grain quite well and the hardwood side pieces you suggested kept me from going too deep. Of course, I still required a good bit of effort with the card scraper to clean it up. Took me a while to do but, being retired, I'm told I have plenty of time!
Again. Thanks.
In complex joinery, layout is everything.
Once the initial leg is laid out, it would seem to me an offset dovetail saw or similar would be the best bet to cut the leg. Clean up with a chisel and sandpaper.
Thanks for your input. The thought of using a regular dovetail saw crossed my mind (don't have an offset one!) but using the plane I believe will be the best way.
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