Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 27, 2009 08:21am | #1

   A spindle sander should do the trick.  The big boys are pretty expensive, but there are low-end models available.  I bought an old (1980's?) Craftsman at an auction.  There's the Delta B.O.S.S., and I think Ridgid has one that's under $200.

   They are great to have around if you do shaped stuff.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
2. 
   philip | Jul 27, 2009 11:47am | #2

   There are many ways , but bearing in mind your wrist problem and the fact that this is probably a one offer, and not knowing the leg shape, a simple way may be for you use sand paper glued to a block having a matching curve.
   Other hand methods like scrapers, rasps, files, compass planes, spoke shaves, surforms are all applicable if you have some knowledge and not the wrist problem.
   Machine methods : shaper with guide template, spindle sander,belt sander, router but it sounds as though these are not on your knowledge curve-and all cost more than the hand methods I have named .

   Philip Marcou
3. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 27, 2009 03:41pm | #3

   I had a similar problem on my first concave curve. I don't remember which spokeshave I was using but I was unable to control it. I had read about the Brian Boggs spokeshave made to his specs by Lie Nieison. What a difference! I got fine, perfectly curling shavings right from the start.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

4. 
   Samson | Jul 27, 2009 05:33pm | #4

   These work very well:

   View Image

1. 
   keithflknr | Jul 28, 2009 07:23am | #7

   Samson
   I actually looked at a compass planner on ebay.They are pretty cool but very pricey.
   since this is going to be a gift with the hopes that other people see it, I'm hoping to build more.For now tho i think the spindle sander is the way to go

5. 
   oldusty | Jul 27, 2009 05:40pm | #5

     keith,  Depending on the exact curve or shape you may be able to use a belt sander on edge or a router with a template of sorts to clean the edges with a light cut .

         I band saw and just leave the line and then use an edge sander to clean up.

                 Files , rasps sanding blocks spindle sander are all ways of doing this .

         Because of the curve and the changing grain directions you may find using a cutting or slicing tool like a spoke shave uncooperative .

               regards        dusty

6. 
   JiminFla | Jul 27, 2009 07:36pm | #6

   Keith,

   A rasp works well to take the bandsawn piece to close to the final dimensions.  Leave enough wood so you can sand to the line and eliminate the marks from the rasp.

   Jim

   http://www.jimreedy.com
7. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 28, 2009 02:20pm | #8

   keith,

   Another option is a drawknife but not sure if your bad wrist is up for it.  Also you need to pay close attention to grain direction.  I have used one for shaping cabriole legs and had good success.

   View Image

   Another tool that I have used is a Four in Hand rasp/file after getting it close with the drawknife.  The 4-in-hand, in case you're not familiar with it has an oval rasp on one side/end and an oval file on the other.  The other end has a flat rasp/file sides.  It's a versatile tool and has flats on all of the edges which allows one to get into tight spots without distorting the overall shape.

   Start with the drawknife, fine tune with the 4-in-hand then final shape with sandpaper.  As for sandpaper I would recommend the Norton 3X paper(s).  They're FAST and don't tend to clog up.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!