Joint choice and finishing technique

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Learner Les

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I am making a plant stand for SWMBO for Xmas. Basically consists of a tray supported by 2 turned legs separated by a turned stretcher and sat on 2 rectangular feet.
Q1: What is the best/strongest joint to connect pummels on legs to the feet?
Q2: I am making the legs in 2 sections each (vibration and lack of skill/experience limit the length that I can turn). Is it best to finish the sections individually or after joining together ? I intend using sanding sealer then Danish oil.
 
1/ I would turn a spigot on the pummels to fit into holes in the feet. Round mortice and tenon if you see what I mean.

2/ I would complete all the finishing up the the the application of the oil on the lathe and apply the oil once it is completely assembled. I don't use sanding sealer under danish oil. Wont the sealer stop the wood absorbing the oil?

John
 
I have always found 4 legs better thatn two for furniture :lol:

But to me the only way you could go is M/T joints if leg has a square section or peg it into a round hole (using a hole saw on cross section) if suitable, with a wedge put into the upright to spread the joint.
 
Learner Les,

Presumably you are using spigot/hole to join the two sections of each leg?
As above, I would use the same joint for the top and bottom of each leg. I have done this successfully on single-spindle plant stands - just need to be careful to get the sizing right - suggest make the hole first, then turn down the spigot carefully until the fit is achieved. Good also for a bit of extra practice on the lathe. :wink: For glue-up I normally use PVA - works okay for me. Wedged through-tenons on the base would give you reassurance of extra security if you are at all worried, although I haven't found these necessary (so far! :roll: ).

I go along with Johnboy on finishing - I don't use a sealer if I am going to use oil, for the reason he says.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Trev.
 
Hello Les
I concur with John and Trev about not using sanding sealer on this type of finish. They also gave some good advise on the joints.
Good luck on the project.
Travis
 
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