Replies

1. 
   Floss | Jun 25, 2007 04:06am | #1

   Use a carving tool with the proper sweep.

   J.P.

1. 
   furndr | Jun 25, 2007 01:59pm | #2

   J.P.

   Thanks for responding. Unfortunately I don't have a carving tool that large. I do have a smaller gouge that will get me close to the final shape. I'm thinking about turning a cylinder on my lathe that is the same diameter as the pedestal, putting an abrasive sheet on that and sanding to final dimensions. The problem with that is I don't want to glaze the wood so that I don't get good adhesion.

   Thanks again.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 25, 2007 02:56pm | #3

   I'm confused.  Isn't there a dovetail that holds the leg to the pedestal?   In any event the glue adhesion between the almost end grain of the leg and the pedestal isn't going to be the thing that keeps the legs on.  Of course if the legs are doweled, keeping them on will need every help it can get. 

1. 
   furndr | Jun 25, 2007 03:31pm | #4

   Steve,

   You're right, most of the true antiques do have  dovetail joints. However, this one was made probably 75-100 years ago and has dowels. I realize that the glue won't help much but  it's about all I can do.

   Thanks.

2. 
   Floss | Jun 25, 2007 08:15pm | #5

   A cylinder will work or just transfer the radius to a piece of cardboard and make a sanding block from that.If the table is pretty old then the column is probably not round anymore due to wood shrinkage.Gouges and a sanding block will get you there.I would probably use 100 grit paper to fit the leg. No need to worry about burnishing the end grain and the surface need not be smooth enough to finish anyway.J.P.

1. 
   furndr | Jun 26, 2007 02:24pm | #6

   J.P.

   I like your idea of making a sanding block. Going that route will rule out the problem of burnishing the wood too much and also give greater control than holding the leg on a spinning cylinder in the lathe.

   Thanks for the information!!

   Dan