This majestic swan work is a masterful art that need not be complicated to try. A few folks seem to be interested in doing some molded swan neck work, and I thought I'd pass on a simple way I've done mine for years. I'm doing this out of MDF scraps, and kind of quick, so precision is not my primary concern as much as teaching the method. Once you understand this method, you can apply this to a variety of furniture applications including the majestic "High Boys". In this example, I'm using 1/2 of a typical Grandfather Hood. First a general layout is needed so as to determine the design, and graceful molding sweeps needs of the swan. Just remember when you are doing this, all pieces must be taken from the grain direction going all one way, of a wide solid board in order to achieve good esthetic results

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Once that's determined, now you can make the low or first molding which in this case will be a cove.

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Here I'm using a D-Handle router, with an auxiliary bottom plate so the bit depth won't affect my router base plate. This can also be done on a router table, or shaper. I just happen to start with a D-Handle many years ago, and sort of acquired a knack and ease using it. Once I cut the bottom edge of my first molding, I leave it whole for routing or shaping purposes. It keeps the machine steady for smoother precision cuts. I also drum sand the edge to remove any irregularities before routing

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I always make sure to leave plenty of room on each end for the details. In this case a rosette at the top right, and 45 return cut along the side of the hood case at the bottom left. Now ready to rout

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Now I adjust a pair of scribers to the desired width, cut on the band saw, and smooth out irregularities for the cap scribe

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Now I take the lower molding, and scribe the top of it where it will rest on the lower cove, and rout. You'll note that I laminated 2 pieces together for the cap molding. The joint will be covered by the lower molding, and for all intended purposes the final product will have an outward appearance as being one solid molding. Carefull planing can also be used to match grains from the previous cut to further enhance the "one solid molded piece" look.

For this I use a full 3/4 ogee bit

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Now scribe the desired thickness and reveal, cut on the band saw, and fit it to the lower molding on a drum sander.

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Once fitted you can either cut the two of them (glued) together, or singularly. Just remember to have plenty running by on the left end, and the top cap molding will have to have more due to it sticking out further than the lower cove for the return miter on the side of the hood in this case.

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That's all there is to it ;-)