Can someone make a recommendation on plans (books or individual plans) for ladder back chairs. Years ago when my wife and I were first starting, I made a dining room table with red oak. Having no budget, I made benches instead of chairs. My wife wants to replace the benches with chairs. Having looked around and having sticker shock on the cost of chairs, she has tasked me with making some. I have never made chairs and I am a little intimidated. I am looking for some simple plans, and if some proto-types turn out to be kindling so be it. It’s time for a challenge. Simple is key here. Appreciate the help.
Edited 8/18/2004 12:37 pm ET by bones
Replies
Bones
I was lucky enough to take a class from Brian Boggs a few months ago on making a ladder back chair...however no drawings were available. I've since looked for plans without success. If you can find a copy (it's out of print) get John Alexanders book How To Make A Chair From A Tree. It contains a wealth of information on the construction of a ladder back chair. If you cannot find a copy of the book he has a video with the same title.
Good Luck
John
Thanks.
Jeff Miller's "Chair Making & Design" from Taunton Press takes you through building a child's ladder back.
"The Chairmaker's Workshop" by Drew Langsner is very good if you have never made a chair. Lots of photos and tips.
Kerry Pierce also has a book out on making chairs with some information on jigs and technique.
http://www.woodworking.org/WC/GArchive98/3_27bridgechair.html
TomS
All the books listed above are excellent. Robert Sunday's "Shaker Style Wood Projects" (1997, Sterling/Chapelle) gives dimensions and directions for several variations. Also, George Buchanan's "Making Country Furniture" (1997, Taunton) features an Arts and Crafts design. You might also look at some of Thomas Moser's books. I believe that several feature dimensions for Shaker style ladderbacks.
Mike
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled