here is a simple way to do the preliminary
taper to ball leg (the shaping and claws are up to you )
i start by clamping two square legs together
and drilling both ( 1/2 for each)
and turning them and drilling again
.
next i make a sled or cut out taper guide
from the taper point 
.
(leaving the end square for rail attachment
and to keep it from tilting in the tooling process)
and against the fence on the bandsaw
cut to the previous half hole
turn and do the other side

.
using the same jig
i sand it on the spindle sander
making sure to sand against the drum
not with it as it will grab
and bind the piece
(and maybe your fingers)
with a stop for when it gets to the half circle
turn and do again
.
that’s about it
from here you can round
shape
carve
or inlay
what ever you like
i’ve done it the way where you tape all the cutoff’s
back on and cut again
but this is easier for me
and gives me more similar parts
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle

















37 comments so far
Bob Kollman
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1779 posts in 1388 days
#1 posted 924 days ago
Thanks David, I am going to build a desk for my wife over x-mas vacation,
this is one more idea I can think about. I really like this idea and the tapering jig,
I always get a little nervous at the table saw using what I call the Norm Jig.
-- Bob Kenosha Wi.
Joe Lyddon
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6474 posts in 2249 days
#2 posted 924 days ago
Very good technique David… Thank you.
-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"
ellen35
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2453 posts in 1629 days
#3 posted 924 days ago
great explanation, David… you got nice legs ;-)
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
patron
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12166 posts in 1538 days
#4 posted 924 days ago
keep your hands out of the tools
and your minds out of the gutters lol
happy holidays !
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
patron
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12166 posts in 1538 days
#5 posted 924 days ago
well thank you ellen
you obviously
have good taste lol
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
mafe
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8084 posts in 1286 days
#6 posted 924 days ago
Clever David, and now with nice legs – what’s next?
Best thoughts,
Mads
-- Mad F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.
patron
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12166 posts in 1538 days
#7 posted 924 days ago
hi mads
calvin kline billboards
in my underwear
what else
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
TheDane
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2697 posts in 1860 days
#8 posted 924 days ago
David—TMI (too much information)!
Actually, I am starting to design a dining table for my daughter, and this tip may come in very handy. Thanks!
—Gerry
-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"
degoose
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6620 posts in 1551 days
#9 posted 924 days ago
That is so simple… I love it.
-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ lazylarrywoodworks.com.au For lovers of all things timber...
tdv
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1113 posts in 1267 days
#10 posted 924 days ago
David I like the sanding jig with the built in stop neat idea you’re obviously a thinking man (bet you didn’t think about how you’d get to sit down with the billboards in your underwear) just do it carefully
Best to you
Trevor
-- God created wood that we may create. Trevor East Yorkshire UK
Bricofleur
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964 posts in 1390 days
#11 posted 924 days ago
Clever. Thanks for sharing this technique. Since I like it very much, I’m saving few pictures for future reference. This can add elegance to any table!
Best,
Serge
http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com
-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow. -- http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com
rivergirl
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3197 posts in 1035 days
#12 posted 924 days ago
David, this is a very good tutorial. I know, because I am able to understand the concept presented here and that doesn’t happen very often for me when we are talking about tutorials involving fences and jigs and… Now if I only had a bandsaw.. and a table saw.. and a drill press ….. then I could make a jig and cut out tapered table legs. Nevertheless if ever I do get some of those big girl tools I know now that I can look up your blog and follow the bouncing ball. Thanks friend!
-- Homer : "Oh, and how is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain."
TheDane
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2697 posts in 1860 days
#13 posted 924 days ago
rivergirl—Sounds like you need to write a letter to Santa!
—Gerry
-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"
rivergirl
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3197 posts in 1035 days
#14 posted 924 days ago
Dane- Been there- done that… but I guess “Virginia” was wrong… And about that Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy. Houston, we have a problem. ;)
-- Homer : "Oh, and how is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain."
TheDane
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2697 posts in 1860 days
#15 posted 924 days ago
rivergirl—I know … anymore, I am reduced to sitting in the woods waiting for a Saint Bernard with a cask of Brandy strapped to his neck.
—Gerry
-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"
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