Usually when I make a table I make patterns so I can duplicate later. These are a set of trestle table legs I made 17 years ago. First I draw them on paper than trace my design on mdf or baltic birch (preferred).
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/P7130013.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1655172992)
This is my finished template.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/P7130017.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1655172992)
I attach the wood to the template in a variety of ways, two sided tape, clamps, or vacuum. Than I cut it out on a router table.
Leg glue up.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/P8070016.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1655172992)
Completed legs.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/P8170005.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1655172992)
I have templates for five different legs based on this design. The advantage of this method is it only takes a short time to make a set of legs.
To cut the legs out I have a choice. A router, basic router table, an advanced router table, and a overarm router. All use a simple pattern bit. I also have the "Beast" which is a 9 horsepower SCMI shaper running a Byrd Shellix head at 10,000 rpm. Any will get the job done.
The advantage to this type of leg is they are fast to make and work great. I also make turned legs for the "other guys" that can't turn. Factor in my time and the aprons this choice becomes a more expensive option.
Thanks for sharing that, Larry. Especially the pics. Very educational and nicely done.
Steve
Your work is exquisite and inspiring, especially your joinery.
Really nice work Larry! The puter I'm using sits on a trestle table with wedged tenon ends for the horizontal beam. it's former purpose was our family dining table years ago, now it's a high tech mess. :D
I use mostly old file folders I hoisted from old files at school job. I also often use large cereal boxes like Family size Cheerios. Unfolded they make great patterns.
I often draw patterns using 1/4" or 1/2" grid paper. I generally speaking design everything I make but do look at pics for ideas and some of my stuff is a composite of various other items similar in purpose.
My current cabin is drawn in detail to sized scale on a Quadrille tablet. A very few patterns are done in wood.
Chair patterns are a combo measured drawings and a measuring stick unique to turnings. it's a 3/4 SQ sticks measured first then placing sharpened finish nails which mark my turnings on the lathe with scratch marks. I re-measure the nails after predrilling holes and adjusting the nails exposure to be all the same. Magic marker info tells which chair it's for.
Those are really nice.White Oak?
Good guess but they are red oak.
Awesome talent.
You get a few thumbs up from up here in the high country--- hope you don't mind if I copy that build out of some juniper---
Not at all, it would be a complement that you liked the design. I probably copied or a least got my idea from somebody else on the one I pictured.
That assembly looks great, Larry.
I've used plywood, too , and have a stack of things I'll
Probably never make again. 😆
Recently, I began using 1/4" plexiglass for templates. I like being able to see the grain/figure through the plexi. Getting it aligned just right with the contour of the template matters to me for some reason. 🙄🙄
The local glass shop has been overrun with stacks of plexi drops from all their COVID orders. They sold it pretty cheap to me.
Plexiglass sounds good especially since Baltic Birch is either unobtainable or $$$$$$'s.
Are you using two sided tape? I've been using some that sticks fine but doesn't release cleanly making clean up necessary.
Ive been using the blue tape trick with CA glue. Put blue tape on each surface (mirrored to each other). And a bit of CA glue, then stick them together. If your confident with easy alignment, you can spray one opposing surface with accelerator first then stick it.
Peels away real easy because of the low tack of the blue tape.