Izzy Swan shared the woodworking technique featured in this video.
Izzy demonstrates a simple jig and technique to cut shallow spiral coves around a round post using a table saw, producing an eye-catching turned pattern without a lathe.
The setup uses a squared post, a boxed guide, and an indexed rotating block that guides the workpiece past the blade to carve repeating coves.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Izzy Swan:
Design
The project centers on making a shallow spiral pattern on a turned post by combining a cove cut with a guided rotation mechanism. Izzy keeps the visual language simple: evenly spaced coves around a round blank create a striking repeating motif that could be applied to furniture accents or decorative spindles.
The design intent is experimental rather than precision ornamentation, so slight irregularities add character rather than detract. The method prioritizes repeatable motion and consistent contact with the guide to achieve balanced results.
Lumber Prep
Preparation starts with a square post that is eased at the corners and drilled for the rotating guide to locate properly on the axis. Izzy emphasizes centering the holes carefully since any offset will show up as wobble in the finished pattern.
Rather than precise dimensioning, the wood is rough-formed and boxed to hold it steady during cutting so the jig can do the repeat work. Keeping the enclosure tight to the blank helps ensure consistent engagement with the guide during each pass.
Joinery
Instead of permanent joinery, the rotating block and guide are fastened with bolts that index the post and hold the guide stationary relative to the blank. This arrangement allows the post to be turned in stages and keeps the assembly simple and adjustable.
The bolt-through connection provides a reliable pivot that resists slipping during the cut, which is essential for the cove pattern to line up around the circumference. Small alignment holes and pilot screws help the pieces register repeatably for each set of coves.
Clamping
A boxed enclosure around the post acts as the holding fixture, providing support and a reference surface for the guide to run against. Izzy tweaks the box and sands edges where needed so the blank sits snug and doesn’t wander while being rotated.
The guiding system uses a secondary fence set at an angle above the main fence so a screwdriver or pin seated in the rotating block follows a controlled path. That simple contact point converts linear feed into indexed rotation without complex gearing or bearings.
Shaping
The cutting technique is essentially a cove cut adapted to a rotating blank: the fence is angled so the blade removes a shallow arc as the post turns through the cut. Izzy takes light passes, raising the blade and advancing in small increments until each cove reaches the desired depth.
Working slowly and maintaining solid contact with the guide keeps the cuts clean and prevents tearout, but occasional cleanup with a hand plane and light sanding is part of the process. The approach works intuitively once the operator gets a feel for the feed rate and guide contact.
Finishing
After the cutting sequence, minor imperfections and sharp points are refined with a hand plane and sanding to blend the transitions. Izzy notes that generous dust control would be helpful because this technique generates a lot of fine chips and dust during the multiple shallow passes.
The pattern can be left natural for a raw, tactile look or finished with oils or a rub-on finish to enhance grain and protect the surface. The shallow nature of the coves makes finishing straightforward and forgiving.
Lessons and Adaptation
The value of this technique is its simplicity and adaptability: a basic jig and a bit of imagination yield decorative results that normally require a lathe. Izzy’s method can be scaled or modified for different spindle sizes, spacing patterns, or even combined with other surface work for unique accents.
Because the setup is forgiving, hobbyists can experiment with angles, guide locations, and blade profiles to develop their own looks. Patience and careful alignment are the key takeaways for anyone wanting to replicate or adapt the process.
Please support Izzy by visiting his website: https://www.izzyswan.com/.