In response to Dave in Texas’s question on a mitered joint, I thought I’d show an easy way to make a hollow leg or post, without any splines.





This method works very well and is simple. Actually, it’s so easy it seems impossible, but your results will be perfect. We use it on very high end work, with no problem as the joint is furniture quality along it’s entire length.
This is a top secret trick, so don’t tell anyone okay.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com






















21 comments so far
dennis mitchell
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3791 posts in 1214 days
posted 552 days ago
My lips are sealed!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
TomFran
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2517 posts in 894 days
posted 552 days ago
Thanks a lot, Lee, for sharing your top-secret tricks. But, aren’t you worried that you will lose business, when all of us are as great a craftsman as you? (I only wish it were that simple…) ;^D
I really appreciate those here who share their “tricks” with us. It has really helped me a lot!
-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 552 days ago
Hi guys;
Thanks for keeping a lid on this!
No I’m not worried Tom, I’m looking for a new career anyway! I’m going to become an astronaut once I get past my fear of height!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Scott Bryan
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20807 posts in 722 days
posted 552 days ago
Thanks for the post, Lee. As always you are a wealth of information.
I have used this on small pieces or when I needed to clamp an oddly shaped piece but it simply never occurred to me to use it on something as large as this. Duct and painters tapes can be some of the most versatile tools we own.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
dlcarver
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261 posts in 630 days
posted 552 days ago
Thanks Lee, I too have used the idea on very small projects…. it never occured to me for large ones. Very ingeneous. I never told anyone either.
THANKS! Dave
-- Dave Leitem,Butler,Pa.,http://dlcarver.etsy.com
gizmodyne
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1679 posts in 990 days
posted 552 days ago
Interesting. It is just like making a mitered box. Hmmm.. Do you use just one board and then “wrap it” around the leg or post?
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 552 days ago
Thanks guys;
John, it becomes the leg when using four pieces. This particular piece was a fluted pilaster on a fireplace mantle, which is why it only has three sides.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Bob #2
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3056 posts in 921 days
posted 552 days ago
Good tip Lee.
I see you prefer the blue tape as well.
There are times I wish it was a bit more tacky.
I also use a bit of rubber surgical tubing when things get a bit difficult.
Cheers
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
GaryK
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9555 posts in 888 days
posted 552 days ago
Lee – Great tip. I’ve been using tape for clamping for a long time. A lot of people overlook it.
Bob – Lee – Try this masking tape. There are different green tapes but this is the one to get.
It’s for “For Hard To Stick Surfaces” and you can leave it on for 3 days with no glue residue.
The best thing about it is that it stretches a little allowing you to stretch it over a gap and it will pull
it together. It’s part number 3M 2060. Sticker than the blue, but just as easy to get off. You just have to get it started.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 552 days ago
Hi Bob;
Yeah, I am definitely a fan of blue tape, as well as the Green, as Gary points out.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Karson
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25873 posts in 1300 days
posted 552 days ago
Thanks for the tip Lee. See you in 4 weeks.
LumberJock Picnic at Lee’s home June 21. First day of summer.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Todd A. Clippinger
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5655 posts in 999 days
posted 551 days ago
Thanks for sharing your techniques, I think you’re a great asset to the LJ community.
Oh and I have to let you know that I’m tellin’ everyone!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 551 days ago
Hi Todd;
Thank you for the kind words Todd.
I knew someone would spill the beans! It was bound to happen.
Just so long as it wasn’t me! LOL
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 551 days ago
Hi Karson;
I guess I better tell my wife soon, huh!
I’ll try to come with something interesting for us to do.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
daveintexas
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338 posts in 776 days
posted 551 days ago
Lee-
Thanks for the great blog. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
I guess it looks like I am going to become a leg man after all.
Dave
-- MISSION FURNITURE-My mission is to build furniture
mrtrim
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1698 posts in 780 days
posted 551 days ago
great tip lee , now to find some jobs to use it on , any tips on that ? lol
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 551 days ago
Hi Dave,
Being a leg man myself, nothing wrong with that!
Hope this answers your question.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 551 days ago
Hi Verne;
Things are a bit slow no matter who you talk to.
Just keep the faith!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Ampeater
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200 posts in 647 days
posted 551 days ago
Good idea and I really like your assembly bench.
-- "A goal without a plan is a wish."
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 879 days
posted 551 days ago
Hi Ampeater;
Thank you.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
TopamaxSurvivor
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3074 posts in 575 days
posted 539 days ago
Hi guys, When I tape something temporarily, I turn a corner on itself (sticky side to sticky side) leaving a tab to readily start the removal.
-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.