How to Cut Wood Legs with a Template
Cutting the Chunky Curved Legs using a Template
Previously, I posted plans to build a dresser with chunky curved legs and I also mentioned that I was going to add it near the top of my “to build” list! The build is going so well, and the front legs were a breeze to cut. Let me offer a little clarification in the process of creating the legs by showing how to cut the wood legs with a template. Trust me, they are super-easy to create!
Start by printing the template for the legs in the plan. Align the registration marks, tape the sheets together, then cut out the template.
For this particular plan, a 45° bevel will be cut in both edges of one side of a 2×6 board.
The template will be aligned with the flat side of the bevel, not the point. (See the photos!) I traced around the template with a pencil.
In order to make both legs as close to identical as I can get them (it will drive me nuts if they are different), I aligned the pieces at the point of the bevel, then drove 2-1/2″ screws through both pieces.
It is easier to cut the legs with a bandsaw, if one is available, and the legs can also be cut with a jigsaw. I made a series of relief cuts in the excess material that would be cut away.
After the legs were cut, I sanded the pieces with 60 grit sandpaper (<– affiliate link!), followed by 120 grit. I removed the screws and filled the holes with wood filler. I used a dark colored filler because I know I want a dark stain on the dresser. I also filled any minor nicks left by the relief cuts.
Once the filler dries, I will sand the legs with 220 grit sandpaper then complete the plan. I cannot wait until it is finished! This quick tutorial on how to cut wood legs with a template should take some of the hesitation out…
This cute and curvy dresser plan also utilizes a template to cut the curves for the aprons and on the legs.
They really were simple to create but if you have any questions, please leave a comment below!
Originally posted 2015-04-09 08:00:12.
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[…] Print the template and piece together the pattern by lining up the registration marks and taping the pages together. Cut out the template pattern. Align the straight edge of the pattern with the end of the bevel on one side of the leg piece – the pattern is not lined up with the outer edge of the bevel. Trace around the template and cut out the legs using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. The leg pieces can also be screwed together and cut as one piece on a bandsaw. a router with a small roundover bit can be used along the curves to soften the edges. For more clarification on cutting the legs, see my tutorial here! […]
[…] blade ( a narrow jigsaw blade for cutting curves) or a bandsaw with a 1/8″ blade. See this tutorial for more […]
[…] the Raphael Dresser, I knew I wanted to build it – immediately!! The day after I posted it, I cut the legs from the plan and template -mainly to check the accuracy of the template and it worked! So I present – my finished […]
[…] like being able to create plans with fancy details such as fancy shelf brackets or curvy legs for dressers and tables, and being able to create a template makes cutting the design element a […]
[…] Print the template and piece together the pattern by lining up the registration marks and taping the pages together. Cut out the template pattern. Align the straight edge of the pattern with the end of the bevel on one side of the leg piece – the pattern is not lined up with the outer edge of the bevel. Trace around the template and cut out the legs using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. The leg pieces can also be screwed together and cut as one piece on a bandsaw. a router with a small roundover bit can be used along the curves to soften the edges. For more clarification on cutting the legs, see my tutorial here! […]
[…] a scrolling blade ( a narrow jigsaw blade for cutting curves) or a bandsaw with a 1/8″ blade. See this tutorial on how to cut legs with a template for more […]
[…] for the Raphael Dresser, I knew I wanted to build it – immediately!! The day after I posted it, I cut the legs from the plan and template -mainly to check the accuracy of the template and it worked! So I present – my finished […]
[…] I have also included templates for the legs to make marking the cut lines a little easier. To use the templates, print them out AS-IS actual size (do not resize them in your printer software), align the registration marks, tape the sheets together, then cut out the template. If the templates are going to be reused, the pieces can be secured to posterboard using spray adhesive. For a tutorial on using a template, see this post! […]