Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 13, 2010 11:37pm | #1

   And then you could look at https://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsArticle.aspx?id=26669

   and see if you want to order something about Sam Maloof's rocking chair.  I believe the book gives details on how all of the joints are made and profiled. ??

   I am not sure if anything in the book is about a basic chair but you could modify the basic shape to fit your needs?

   You said that you are new to woodworking.. A chair is NOT easy to make and figured maple is very expensive. At least around here. Maybe a prototype chair made of pine or poplar before you purchase the expensive wood?

   Have fun!

1. 
   jfsksa | Aug 14, 2010 11:33am | #2

   thanks

   Thanks for the help.

   I ordered Miller's book.  Based on the information from the Maloof article and the other links, it is plain that this process, while not very complex, is very precise ( to get the joints to all be tight) and takes a bunch of time due to the hand work involved. I will probably start out with a smaller, more simple project like an end table and save the complex project/expensive wood for a later day when my skills improve.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Aug 15, 2010 06:56am | #3

   skill building

   I agree that chairmaking is not easy. Some consider it to be the pinnacle of craftsmanship. However, much can be learned from making a prototype with less-expensive wood, such as poplar. Doing so can even be helpful with simpler projects.

1. 
   PeteMohr | Aug 15, 2010 09:40am | #4

   Prototypes

   For prototype chairs I like to use SYP from the BORG. You can find some good sticks in is you go look through the long 2x12's and 2x10's. They use the better lumber for the bigger boards.

   Sometimes the prototypes come out good enough to keep ;-))

   pete

   
1. 
   RalphBarker | Aug 15, 2010 11:14am | #5

   Nice chair, Pete

   That must be a pro-prototype.  ;-)

   I can't get Southern Yellow Pine where I'm at. Must be because of being in northern New Mexico.  ;-)

2. 
   jascotx | Oct 14, 2010 03:49pm | #6

   Build it like you mean it.

   As I have learned, part of woodworking is fixing your mistakes.  I realize some projects are more complex than others, but the only way to lean is to tackle the tough ones.  When you get stuck, just take a step back and clean the shop.  Sometimes, the answers just have to come in their own time.  

   Everything starts with just one person doing something someone else said couldn't be done.  Don't worry about making mistakes.  If you want to build a chair, build a chair....just take your time and build a good one.

3. 
   Ed__Hobbick | Oct 14, 2010 10:04pm | #7

   Get some wood, bend it, tweak it and then join it. The wood can be whatever kind you want. Save these first joints so that 10 years from now you can show people how you learned to do this.

   Also realize that these things require WORK, hence woodworking.