Half column by hand

The wall clock I’m working on calls for half columns up each side. I wanted them in a contrasting wood from the walnut cabinet, so decided to go with some Jatoba I had. I was extremely tempted to figure out some sort of way to shape them with a router (bull nose or quarter round bits), but decided I needed some zen hand tool work.

Starting with rough cut stock and a half circle drawn on each end, I used a #5 to rough out the shape. To hold the piece, I just used double stick tape and stuck it to a scrap 3/4 board which I could them clamp in the vise. This gave me access to all sides with the plane.

Attachment 469197

Using the #5 and a block plane I got it close.

Attachment 469198

One side, then the next.

Attachment 469199

Then using a card scraper, which incidentally had a perfectly sized concave shape, the high spots, etc. were evened out. Then using a wood block with the same curve cut out, used sand paper to finish it up.

Attachment 469200

I don’t usually keep track of time, but I’d say all in a little over an hour. Not bad, I suppose. One more to go.

Just a quick edit to say, yes, I’m left handed. So things may look a little backwards for many.

Nice work. Sometimes hand work goes so quickly we loose track if time.
Jim

Good beginnings Phil. Keep us posted on your progress.

Excellent job.

And nice scraper! Where did you get it if I may ask.

Thanks all. I’ll keep you posted, but I do tend to start what seems like 6 month projects! A little bit at a time and some procrastination to fine tune the design and choose woods, veneers, etc.

Dave, it’s from this set I got at Woodcraft:

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/l...et-scraper-set

Great- thanks.