Hi All,
I'm starting to build a Phila highchest and have several questions concerning the design of the leg. Prior to this posting i have read the earlier Forum posting related to this topic. In addition, the folks at CW were extremely generous in permitting me to make some measurements of the Clifton-Carteret piece. I did measure the foot to be 3-in square and the leg to be 15.5-in. tall. I found this size very pleasing and intend to go with that size for my piece.
I have two questions:
1. When one draws a leg for a Phila highchest and wants to employ the rules of classical proportions in the design, how many modules are appropriate? I feel that I need this answer to properly locate the apex of the knee. I failed to make this measurement on site. Scaling from several photographs that I took suggests six modules. That places the apex of the knee slightly less than 2 and 5/8 in. down from the top of the leg (1 module). That looks right, but I'd appreciate learning what others have done.
2 I've produced several B&C chair feet using the construction techniques taught by Gene Landon. Gene's dimensions apply to a chair leg that is 2 and 3/4 -n. square. Can I simply scale up the construction dimensions (ball height, knuckle location and position, etc.) to carve the 3-in. ball?
Since it is my intent to produce a piece that is not an exact copy of any particular antique, I do have some flexibility to adjust my design to achieve the most pleasing results. Having said that, I certainly don't want to put 1000 hours into a piece that gives regrets every time I look at it. Accordingly, I welcome and would appreciate all of your advice, comments, and help on these matters.
I do intend to first produce a sample leg to study the proportions in 3D before I commit the final design to walnut.
Thanks
Frank Duff
I'm starting to build a Phila highchest and have several questions concerning the design of the leg. Prior to this posting i have read the earlier Forum posting related to this topic. In addition, the folks at CW were extremely generous in permitting me to make some measurements of the Clifton-Carteret piece. I did measure the foot to be 3-in square and the leg to be 15.5-in. tall. I found this size very pleasing and intend to go with that size for my piece.
I have two questions:
1. When one draws a leg for a Phila highchest and wants to employ the rules of classical proportions in the design, how many modules are appropriate? I feel that I need this answer to properly locate the apex of the knee. I failed to make this measurement on site. Scaling from several photographs that I took suggests six modules. That places the apex of the knee slightly less than 2 and 5/8 in. down from the top of the leg (1 module). That looks right, but I'd appreciate learning what others have done.
2 I've produced several B&C chair feet using the construction techniques taught by Gene Landon. Gene's dimensions apply to a chair leg that is 2 and 3/4 -n. square. Can I simply scale up the construction dimensions (ball height, knuckle location and position, etc.) to carve the 3-in. ball?
Since it is my intent to produce a piece that is not an exact copy of any particular antique, I do have some flexibility to adjust my design to achieve the most pleasing results. Having said that, I certainly don't want to put 1000 hours into a piece that gives regrets every time I look at it. Accordingly, I welcome and would appreciate all of your advice, comments, and help on these matters.
I do intend to first produce a sample leg to study the proportions in 3D before I commit the final design to walnut.
Thanks
Frank Duff