I need to make turned legs for a project (a hope chest for my daughter) that are 6" long with a max diameter of about 2". The chest is "Philippine Mahogany" but my local lumber yard only has up to 8/4 stock. What would be the best way to glue up a blank to make the legs? The legs are simple tapers from 2" to 3/4" so there really isn't going to be any decoration to distract from glue lines. I think my options are to face glue two boards together (two glue joints would show) or to glue up staves (more glue joints but a more consistent grain since all sides would be face grain). The piece will be finished with oil and a wipe on varnish so I'd like to keep the legs and box as consistent as I can (i.e. it would be a challenge to just use a completely different wood).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.