turning a leg for a big coffee table?

[overland]

I need to turn a large leg for a slab coffee table--or find someone who can do it for me. Here's my question. How can I make sure that the leg is the correct diameter so that it fits snugly into the hole made by the forstner bit -- probably 1 7/8 inch in diameter. Or should I attach the leg with a square mortise and tenon and simply turn the leg below that?

[DaveR1]

You can use a round tenon. Typically you would use a dividers or a simple gauge and turn the tenon until the dividers/gauge just slip over the tenon. Remove a little bit of wood at a time until it fits. Some folks will use an open end wrench as a gauge. Or you could make one from a scrap of plywood with a notch of the correct width cut in it.

[Bill Holt]

Personal preference here: square mortise and tenon.

[woodrapper]

Square is easier to make tenon, harder for mortise. I suggest staying cylindrical, drill a 1 7/8 with Forstner, turn the tenon close but slightly larger than needed, and then continue to sneak up to perfect fit by the cut and try, repeat method.

[chips ahoy]

If you are scared of turning it too small and have a sloppy fit. Use sand paper to get it to the final thickness. You could drill an 1 7/8" hole in a piece of scrap to use to test fit.

Mel

[handi]

If you are worried about getting a solid fit, you can drill your socket hole in a piece of scrap, then cut the scrap in half and use it as a gauge as you turn the tenon.

Ralph

[overland]

All good advice here. But I realize now that I may not have a choice and will have to use a square mortise and tenon and shape the leg by hand, without a lathe, which we don't have. Any advice for the best way to do this?

[chips ahoy]

overland said:

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All good advice here. But I realize now that I may not have a choice and will have to use a square mortise and tenon and shape the leg by hand, without a lathe, which we don't have. Any advice for the best way to do this?

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Look up a local turning club in your area. Go to a meeting and ask if someone would be interested in turning the piece for you. I am sure you won't have a problem finding a helpful turner.

Mel

[Chataigner]

You can make round(ish) legs very well with a draw knife to take off the waste, then refine the shape with spokeshaves. It wont be perfect geometry, but it will look fine.

[Dennis Puskar]

You may get more input if you post this in the wood turning section.