Hello,
Perhaps someone may have some better insight on the limitations to making rockers out of a solid piece of Oak. I have a blank cut out that is roughly 2 1/4 thick, 5″ wide, and 36″ long. My question is to you, am I going to run into problems down the road if I cut the rocker out solid instead of doing a bent laminent. The only reason that I am trying to do it this way is to save time, but if it is going to look like crap 6 mo down the road from twisting and bowing then I will take the time to do it right. The wood moisture is about 13%.
Thank you,
wingerbb
Replies
A bent lamination will always be better for this type of application- it is stronger and more stable- but- it is a lot more work!
It is not quite as strong but you can cut them out of one piece. Try to orient the part so that the grain lines follow the curve of the piece as much as possible.
As far as bowing and twisting concerns- Mill it carefully. Have the wood in your shop for a few weeks before you mill it- let it acclimate to the shop humidity.
Flatten it carefully- plane it parrallel. If you can leave it heavy and then come back and rejoint and replane a day or two later it is better.
Then proceed with your cutting and joinery.
Hope that helps- Bob
I just finished refurbishing a big rocker made of oak. The both rockers (and both curverd arm) were broken is several places because whoever built it originally cut them from a single piece of oak, creating lots of "short grain" which broke of. I think you will be muck better off with a bent laminent.
salmonfly
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled