Bob:

If the finial and foot are Add Ons, you can do quick
and dirty versions first - and go back later and
turn more refined ones.

The diagonal lines idea is slick. Have you thought
about intersecting diagonal lines to do diamond
patterns?

It's interesting that by just changing one assumption
of how segmented or laminated pieces "should look"
the results can be so noticably different - and nice.

Look foreward to where you take this. Please post
The Next One - or a link to it.

charlie b