I recently purchased the plans(only) to build a windsor. I thought I could build it without the video but I am having a hard time without it. They will not sell me the video seperately, in other words, I would have to purchase the plans again to be allowed to buy the video.
I was hoping someone might have already built one and could give me some advice. The plans do not state whether to use green wood like Mike Dunbar does or not. Also, there is very little info on how to steam the crest rail (amount of arc). I could also use some advice on how to drill the proper angles for the back and arm spindles. On the plans Norm gives an address where to buy the crest rail but If I do that, I might as well just buy the whole damn chair. If anyone can help I sure would appreciate it, sincerely, bob black
Replies
Bob,
The videotapes you can purchase from NYW are just a copies of the program that airs on PBS. Maybe someone has recorded it and can share a copy with you.
The crest rail is solid wood (maple, I believe). It takes special equipment to steam and form something like that; that's why NYW gives a source for purchasing it. Although it wouldn't be authentic, I suppose you could build up the crest rail with laminations and create your own form to bend it.
I was poking around using Google and found this site: http://www.windsorchairresources.com/tipindex.html
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
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I build chairs and you are undertaking a big project if you dont have someone there to guide you. The crest rail arc is a gradual arc but i dont know how to describe it to you. The best thing to do is get a curve reproducer ( you know the ones i mean the ones used for moulding and such) and copy a crest rail.
I never use green wood and I have taken Dunbars class and his legs and spindles, all turnings are bought from a guy in Ky and they are kiln dried maple. The seats are just commercial grade pine that he buys from a local supplier. This shrink discussion concerning chair making has been discussed a lot and some even go so far as to dry parts in hot sand. Drilling the holes in the seat for the upper and the lower is going to be a bugger. The angles are easy but the reaming isnt. Its the reaming that gets the final angle and coordination of angles with the other parts. It is also the step where you set your legs and post depth. Are you turning your own parts? If so, that ream angle and the corresponding taper in the seat is going to be fun until you learn how to do it. Are you building that fan back like the one in my pic? Dunbar spends one whole day just on carving the knuckles and attaching the arms..and he is there to guide you ( or more specifically Dan Farina, his aide is)
I smiled when I saw that program thinking that there are going to be quite a few exasperated folks who try this project. Norm said that a chair, properly made is about as difficult a project you can do. He is right
Wicked Decent Woodworks
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"
thanks to everyone for the advice. I have read dunbars' bookwhere he dries the spindles in sand. I am making the exact chair in your picture. I have the seat made and have turned some of the spindles. I really thought when you buy a plan that enough information would be included to build the project.Oh well, I guess I'll just keep plugging away. Does anyone think if I bought the video and plans overagain it would be easier to build or is there still info missing, thanks again, sincerely. bob
My recollection is that in a recent edition of FWW Dunbar said he was wrong about the "sand drying" technique and is embarassed to have written it. But I'm not 100% sure.
youre right...he does not advocate that anymore
aclimate your turning stock and your seats and it will be fine
Wicked Decent Woodworks
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"
never read his book but he does give all students ready made turnings; all kiln dried maple. even bending that crest rail can be a problem is you dont do it exactly right. I bent one once and for some reason I had to back off the bend before i was done then redid it........all within 1 min...snap! There is a lot to learn...little things that make the whole process easier. If you want, you can buy a complete turning set from Dunbar.i think its like $75 or so for that big chair. that would make your life easier. But I will tell you this, Dunbar calls that High Back windsor the PHD in chairmaking. He says it is the toughest chair to make right.......but it sure is comfyWicked Decent Woodworks
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"
I recommend you read The Chairmaker's Workshop by Drew Langsner. The book provides a lot of the information you are looking for, step by step.
Oh, and I would like to add that chair making is not as hard as everyone thinks. Anyone can make a chair, the hard part is making a comfortable chair.
Edited 1/12/2005 1:22 pm ET by BenM
Read all you can about this type of construction and give it a try. I agree that Windsors aren't all that hard to build if you have some understanding of the process. John Kassay has a book out that has tons of measured drawings in them. Take a look there and find the proper arc for the crest rail. I found my rail pattern in a book that has since slipped my mind, but if I think of it, I'll let you know. Again, give it a try and expect some setbacks. Part of the fun is in exploring the unknown/untried.
Good luck,
TomS
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