louis style legs

[markturner]

Hi, SWMBO has bought a crappy table off e-bay, that she has decided that once the horrible legs it came with are removed and it has been painted, it will be quite nice.... I remain to be convinced, but have been charged with making and fitting said new legs. She wants them in the style of old Louis legs, and not having made anything period style, I was wondering how best to do this and also what to make them out of. Initial thoughts were to use beech or similar, for strength and cut down from a blank, but the various curves and shapes seem pretty awkward to do. They need to be approx 400mm high

can anyone give me any pointers please?

Cheers, Mark

 

[sparkymarky]

hi mark, if you mean a Cabriole Leg there are numerous how to guides online the can be made with bandsaws, turned or carved with a spokeshave and chisels here`s a couple links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKFM8nJggA

http://www.finewoodworking.com/period-f ... e-details/

http://www.woodshoptips.com/tips/041904/index.htm

hope this helps, cheers, mark.

 

[Benchwayze]

Hi Mark,

If you have the means of playing a VHS tape, I have a video from Fine Woodworking which shows the making of a 'Queen Anne' Cabriole Leg from A to B. It features carving, but the basic way of cutting the initial shape remains the same, if you don't carve.

You are quite welcome to borrow it.
If you are interested, send me a PM.
regards
John

 

[markturner]

Thanks guys, I have since discovered the correct name for this style of leg, the links look great, thanks again

sadly, no means of playing a video tape either... amazing how quickly technology is rendered obsolete isnt it?....

 

[Benchwayze]

Thanks guys, I have since discovered the correct name for this style of leg, the links look great, thanks again

sadly, no means of playing a video tape either... amazing how quickly technology is rendered obsolete isnt it?....

So true Mark! That's why I bought a Panasonic VHS/DVD recorder.

I shall eventually be able to transfer some stuff to DVD! When I get Grand-daughter to show me how to operate the machine :mrgreen:

The video seen on the FWW site was pretty comprehensive, and might well inspire you to have a go. Not for me mind. It's way too late for me to start thinking about furniture repro now! Nonetheless it was an interesting viewing.

regards
John

 

[markturner]

Well, just as I was about to plunge into the world of cabriole leg construction, SWMBO found a site where you could buy them, ready made, 300mm high, in beech, for £7 each.........no contest really, when i thought about how long it would take me to make them, and what else i could be could be doing with that time...

So, we have the legs, I fitted them and the table looks lovely. next time I need to make some for a proper project however, I will know where to go, thanks for the advise!!

 

[Benchwayze]

In that case Mark, I'll get surfing. I need a nice low upholstered footstool! (hammer) :mrgreen:

Glad you managed the job. Now all we need is photographic evidence!

Regards
John

 

[RogerP]

So true Mark! That's why I bought a Panasonic VHS/DVD recorder.
I shall eventually be able to transfer some stuff to DVD! When I get Grand-daughter to show me how to operate the machine :mrgreen:
regards
John

IF it's the same as my Panasonic it's too easy ....

Put a blank CDR/DVD in the tray and the recorded VHS in the slot - press centre button and go play in the workshop for a while whilst it does the job

 

[Benchwayze]

Cheers roger.
I'll keep you posted!

John

 

[markturner]

Hi Benchwayze, no problem, here are a couple of pictures of the finished article. SWMBO also found some really dinky brass and porcelain castors for it, although these were £50 for 4, so kinda blew the whole cheap table thing really. But they do look nice I have to say. She painted it all white and it looks really cool:

Cheers, Mark