Each column is a 12 stave cylinder, duct tape makes it easier to assemble the staves, it handles like a tambour
I made a hickory pattern of the profile for the columns and traced it into each of the 5 blanks
I used my Copy Carver to cut the patterns, I didn't have or want a lathe tracer large enough to make the columns.
I mounted the blanks into the lathe and started turning down to the traced in profile.
I managed to turn the last few from rough blank with traced profile to a 220 grit sanded column in about an hour each.
I made 4 identical columns and one with a crown molding profile at the top.
The metal studs sticking out of the column are for the 1/4 turn 'knock down' fasteners
can you see the feminine curves? or is it more Coke bottle shaped?
The mantle top getting the modified crown molding glued on
the lower mantle shelf almost done
test assemble of the raw pieces
The turned profile on the left match's the actual molding on the right
This detail carries the molding's lines across the fireplace to the large column.