Cutting & Shaping Legs - Part 1
The function of the tools I use and how they work are explained here. Specific tools used are noted in bold.
Each leg curves in two dimensions. Because of the legs’ shape there is a lot of cutoff waste. Compare the last picture of the semi-finished legs to the picture of the initial two planks - as much wood is not used as used.
The first step is to cut the curves in one dimension using the bandsaw. We have two bandsaws in our shop, a general purpose large one with a medium width blade for cuting larger radiuses and a small one with a narrower blade for cutting tighter radiuses. The cuts are made just shy of the template transfer lines. After cutting, the curves are trimmed to the template transfer lines using a variety of hand tools including planes, spokeshaves and rasps. The curves in the other dimension are drawn on the legs using the templates, and the cutting and trimming process is repeated. The whiplash heads are finished last, and are only roughed out at this point.
