On to shaping the aprons. Again, using a pattern to layout the shape, rough out on the bandsaw and work to the line with hand tools. Working into this little cleft takes some careful hand work to get it to a sharp, pronounced point.
Shapely Aprons
Pushing It
I'm using a process to make these shaped legs that is similar to ones I've used in the past. But this time I'm really trying to dial in the consistency and accuracy of all the shaping done by hand. Butting all these legs together gives me a pretty good sense of where things are at.
Work Square, Work to the Line
After bandsawing the legs, it's time to clean up the sawn faces with a block plane, spokeshave and files. I use the reference faces to make sure that I'm working square, and also have my pencil lines to work to.
Shaping the Legs
Moving on to shaping the legs. They are in there somewhere...
Time for a Break
The slip tenons are done for now. I check them all for thickness and mark one end. The "1" on the end of this one tells me it is .371" thick, as measured with calipers. I keep them in a plastic bag so they don't see any changes in relative humidity (and therefore maintain their current moisture content/dimensions). The slips will be fine tuned to individual mortises later on, but they can take a break for now.