Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Apr 19, 2007 09:35pm | #1

   Hi Forrestb:

   It took me some time to get to the bottom of this but here is what I found:

   There are some strict proportions to follow when making a cabriole leg so that the curve is right and the proportions are pleasing. The best legs are not too heavy, too stout, too thin, too straight, or too curvy.

   Phil Lowe wrote this article about making a cabriole leg. While he didn't offer an equation for determining the overall proportions, he does offer some standard dimensions for chair and table legs. He also provides inner proportions like: "the ankle diameter should be about two-fifths the thickness of the leg blank" and "The narrowest part of the leg should fall at about three times the height of the toe..."

   Lonnie Bird also wrote an article on the subject that does a nice job of describing the proper s-curves to use, and he provides some sample templates for different styles of cabriole legs.

   If that doesn't help, let me know and I'll see what else we can find.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

   
   

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   Edited 4/19/2007 2:36 pm ET by MBerger