Windsor Chair Class #1

Well, for those of you of frequently visit the Porch, Beth mentioned the chair class I got for Christmas. It's set up as (2) 3-day weekend blocks with the end result being a completed Sackback Windsor chair that I take home with me. The basic prototype is shown here. It must be stated that the class I chose is in the 1700's - 1800's tradition, which is handmade with all hand tools. The only exception being the turnings, which are provided by the instructors. If I survive the class and still have the patience required to make more of these things, I'll probably tackle some turnings on my own later on too. Now back to the chair...

The class is structured so that the instructors, Ferris & Maureen Rugar, make chairs alongside the student. I'm given a thorough demonstration, then it's my turn to have at it. Day 1 started by learning how to make spindles by hand using a rather large drawknife and a spokeshave. Each one starts out as a 3/4" square blank, and ends up (about 30 minutes later) as a round, tapered spindle. The photo here is a "before & after." I managed to get better as I trudged through making 7 of these puppies, although a few are rather ugly. The other Day 1 activity was BENDING!! Taking normal strips of green oak and turning them into elegant, rounded shapes like the bow (upper arch) and the arm (middle section) on the model chair. Bending is pretty straightforward, but you have to have the right equipment, which means a steam box (pic #1) , a form (pic #2), and tools to keep you from burning the crap out of your hands and face. With a little help from the instructors, I managed to avoid harm and get my bends done right. I'm definitely going to build a steam box for home bending. As you can see from the photo, it's pretty low-tech, but the results are great.

Day 2 was all about shaping the seat. It starts as a flat, rectangular hunk of pine and eventually becomes a very comfortable place for your bottom to hang out. Now it takes a remarkable amount of work and MANY very cool tools to get you there, but it's all worth it. Here's a few shot of me adzing and scorping. I couldn't make up these tool names... By the end of the day, I had the makings of a seat, but my arms and shoulders were pretty sore.

Day 3 was my introduction to drilling holes the old fashioned way, with a bit brace and spoon bits. For a modern woodworker who uses a cordless drill about as often as I use a pen, I wasn't looking forward to this. However, this part held true with the other "traditional woodworking" lessons I'd been taught up to this point. Once you see what's inolved and actually do it, it's not so bad. In fact, it's relaxing not hearing any power tools in a shop. This whole experience has me re-thinking my shop, with more focus on hand tools and hand work. I'm not a purist, and there will always be power tools in my shop. However, there are some things that should be done manually. This class has given me far more confidence to do just that.

That drilling photo isn't a mistake. I was instructed to use either my forehead or chin to apply downward pressure on the brace. It looks (and feels) weird, but it works. The second photo was the end-point for Day 3. I now have a seat with 4 balanced chair legs installed. I have to wait 2 more weeks to finish my chair. Much more on those experiences later.