Re: Chairmaking for an experience Newbie


"Ed Bennett" <ejb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1191346759.789515.56140@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Oct 2, 9:34 am, jbd in Denver <justaDOGjohn...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
.... 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?

You can avoid a lot of the compound angles by making simple mission or
"arts and crafts" style chairs. This would also allow you to avoid
the need for a lathe and any need for steam bending. You can avoid
scooping out the seat by using an apholstered seat or slats. There
are a lot of things you can do to make the chair a much simpler task
that doesn't require so many tools and skills. But, there will be
some sacrifice in comfort and style. Windsor chairs have been made
since before there were table saws, planers, routers, jigsaws,
bandsaws, etc. All you need is a lathe, a drawknife, an adze, a
gouge, a scraper, a brace and bits, and a steambox. What you lack in
tools will surely be made up for in skills. If you are interested in
a traditional style (windsor, chippendale, queen anne, colonial,
hepplewhite, regency, etc.) don't expect it to be an easy project -
expect it to be an epic adventure. There's a reason why every town
has dozens of cabinet makers and virtually no chair makers - and it's
not because nobody needs chairs!

I would say that you are doing well to get some books on the topic. I
would look to see if there are any companion videos with the books. I
would also visit several "higher end" furniture stores (i.e. Ethan
Allen, etc.) to examine their chairs for insight into how they are
constructed.

Ed Bennett
ejb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

http://www.ts-aligner.com
Home of the TS-Aligner.com

Thanks for kicking the door wide open Ed.
Take Mike Dunbar's course. It will be one of the best weeks of your whole
life.
No saw dust. Lots of curly wood shavings.

http://www.thewindsorinstitute.com/

I know, the original poster may not have the time, etc., but this is the
correct answer.

-Dean
Sitting in chair number one as I type this.


.

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