Chairmaking for an experience Newbie

jbd in Denver · 2007-10-02T15:34:04+00:00

.... with no bandsaw. My 10 year old daughter ended up on the floor during dinner a few nights ago when one of my wife's 2nd hand chairs ended up giving up the ghost. I do well with basic tool operation, straight lines, tables, and casework - but I always viewed chair making as perhaps beyond my skill and tool set. My wife has recently been hinting at a new walnut table - and I had assumed I'd purchase chairs. But, as a wood hack, when an immediate need shows itself, I wonder "hmmm - wonder if I can do better??" It's a blow to my already fragile ego to run to the local mass production, low quality furniture store and spend $150/chair. I've ordered a few books to start my research (Jeff Miller), but thought I'd toss it out to the group. Chairs aren't discussed much, but I seem to remember following the saga of someone's experience a few years back (thinking Swingman and Arts and Crafts chairs?). Is a bandsaw crucial? Other tools outside the norm (TS, planer, router table, jigsaw, etc)? Necessary skills? Thanks - jbd in Denver

Oct 02, 2007 25 Replies

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nailshooter41 18 years ago

challenges and suggests or even begs for a >more organic design. That, I think, is what Maloof

If you read his book and dig up some interviews with the man, or better yet, talk to someone that has taken his classes I think you will find that you are 110% completely accurate in that statement.

I remember something like "I was just trying to make a chair that was comfortable to sit in" when he read his speech at the Smithsonian (yup

- THE Smithsonian) when they purchased one of his rockers and some furniture as part of their permanent American Classics collection.

Robert

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dadiOH 18 years ago

Always nice if you want to cut curves. But curves can be cut with saber/jig saws too. They can also be bent in or laminated. Moreover, chairs don't *have* to have curves.

Don't have to have slanted backs either. For example, the rear legs can be vertical extending a few inches above the seat; the back can be a separate slab or frame that is bolted to the rear legs so it can swing using the rear of the seat as a stop. You could also use leather/canvas/etc as a slingback ala director's chairs. Another way is a fixed straight back upholstered to provide a slope.

So many ways, depends on what you want.

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J. Clarke 18 years ago

Frank Lloyd Wright admitted at some point that he couldn't design a comfortable chair--his best _looked_ marvelous but even he admitted that they were miserable to sit in. If it was hard for _him_ . . .

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Frank Boettcher 18 years ago

If in the end you find that you need to move more quickly into a new set or you continue to be a little overwhelmed by chairmaking, and if you want to make the table and if you like Queen Ann, you might consider Adams Wood Products chair kits.

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close friend bought some Adams chair kits and they are well made, very solid, and a savings over what you can buy in the store. You also would be able to finish them the same as the table.

Not the same as making them but you do get to assemble, finish and the results will be nice.

Frank

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Douglas Johnson 18 years ago

I have one of his rockers in curly maple. The gorgeous thing is sitting right next to me know. I also have met him several times. I agree with the above completely.

Like you, one of his classes is on my list of "things to do before I die".

-- Doug

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Douglas Johnson 18 years ago

I love his architecture, but it has a reputation of being less than practical. I have season tickets to a theater company that uses a FLW designed theater. It is always too hot or too cold. I've read stories of leaking roofs, shifting foundations, etc.

-- Doug

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