Making a rocking chair (2023 Update)

Nice chair...made the old way.

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Reply to
Neil Ward
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Well worth the five minutes. mahalo, jo4hn

Reply to
jo4hn

Very nice! I wonder how many hours it took...

Reply to
Dave Balderstone

At the rate he was working not many. ;-)

Reply to
Keith Nuttle

Must be Amish.

Reply to
Leon

Thanks for sharing-very cool video!

Reply to
GeneT

Making a rocking chair can be a rewarding woodworking project. Here is a basic outline of the process to help you get started. Note that this is just an overview, and you'll need to research specific dimensions, materials, and techniques based on the design you choose.

Choose a design: Before you begin, find or create a design for your rocking chair. You can look for plans online or in woodworking books, or you can create your own custom design. Consider factors such as style, size, and intended use.

Gather materials and tools: Select the type of wood you want to use, such as oak, maple, or walnut. You'll also need woodworking tools like a table saw, band saw or jigsaw, router, drill, chisels, clamps, sandpaper, and wood glue. Additionally, you may need screws, dowels, or other fasteners, depending on your design.

Cut and shape the parts: Using your design as a guide, cut out the various components of the rocking chair, including the seat, backrest, legs, rockers, and any additional support pieces. You'll likely need to cut curves for the rockers and other parts, so a band saw or jigsaw will come in handy. Use a router to shape and smooth the edges of the parts as needed.

Assemble the base: Begin by attaching the legs to the seat. Depending on your design, you may use mortise and tenon joints, dowels, or screws. Make sure the legs are square and level before attaching the rockers. Use a combination of glue and clamps to hold the parts together while they dry. You may need to reinforce the joints with screws or other fasteners.

Attach the backrest: Once the base is assembled, attach the backrest to the seat and legs using your preferred method, such as dowels, screws, or mortise and tenon joints. Ensure the backrest is securely attached and comfortable to lean against.

Add supports and armrests: If your design includes additional supports or armrests, attach them now, using similar techniques as before. Make sure all connections are secure and properly aligned.

Sand and finish: Sand the entire rocking chair to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. Start with coarse sandpaper and work your way up to finer grits for a smooth finish. Once you're satisfied with the surface, apply your choice of finish, such as stain, varnish, or paint, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Final inspection and adjustments: After the finish has dried, inspect the rocking chair for any issues, such as wobbling or uneven rocking. Make any necessary adjustments, and then enjoy your new, handmade rocking chair!

Remember that this is just a basic overview, and you should consult detailed plans or instructions for specific measurements, materials, and techniques. Making a rocking chair can be a challenging project, but with patience, practice, and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and functional piece of furniture.

Reply to
Ron Mason

I've built lots of stationary and rocking chairs. What the video demonstrates is that you don't need perfectly squared or milled lumber. The critical issues with rocking chairs are a few dimensions.

1 - A comfortable recline angle of the backrest to the seat is 7°. If the seat is contoured, as in the video, don't measure your 7° angle as per the contour, measure it as per the basic seat frame. 2 - The center of gravity of your chair at rest is 2" to 4" in front of the back legs. The arc of the rockers and/or the bulk of the backrest will determine where the center of gravity is relative to the back legs. 3 - The front and back legs don't need to be the exact same length, but both back legs need to be the same length from the seat frame and both front legs need to be the same length from the seat frame. Unequal leg lengths of front or back will result in the rocking chair creeping sideways as you rock. 4 - Another aspect of leg positioning is the sides relative angle to one another.... meaning the legs need to be in proper position/alignment such that the angle of the rockers need to be exactly the same. What is meant here (a better understanding) is the rockers "heel in" or "toe out" (splay of the rockers) has to be the same relative to the seat frame. Again, if the splay of the rockers are not the same, then the rocker will tend to creep across the floor as you rock. 5 - If all angles are made correctly, another cause of a rocker creeping is if it on carpet. The pile of your carpet may cause creeping.

Sonny Cypress log seat

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cypress for this rocker was hand hewn, similarly as in the video. The rockers are laminated ash.
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Reply to
Sonny

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