How to Make Tapered Wood Columns

Wood columns are an option for chair legs, balusters, table legs and other wood crafts. Creating a tapered wood column allows you to easily join two wooden objects together with a decorative center rod. You can use a lathe to carefully carve tapered wood columns in a short amount of time that contain a personalized and attractive appearance.

Instructions

1

Lock the 36-inch wood into the lathe and turn the machine on. This will start the log spinning so you can easily carve it.

2

Carve away the wood log with the wood chisels. Begin in the center of the log and work towards the ends. Remove more wood from the log as you work towards the ends. The center will remain the thickest area and become smaller as you go out towards each end.

3

Sand the column with 220-grit sandpaper while it is still spinning. Turn off the lathe and remove the column when finished.