Hello all,
In the attached image, what are these wooden straps connecting the legs to the seat called? I’d like to add this technique to my arsenal but I’m having trouble finding information (how they are joined to the parts, are they steam bent/bent lamination or just sawed out, etc). They seem to play the role of a stretcher, shoring up the undercarriage, but I would guess they do not provide as much stability as more traditional “H” stretchers.
If a more experienced chairmaker could weigh in or point me towards a text, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Replies
They are called 'knees' (after the supports in a ship).
They can be steam bend but are more often laminated. I think laminated is stronger although both work. Laminated strips like 1/8x3/4x24" strips of hardwood, glued together with 5-10 clamps on a male and female form of the desired shape. These things are wicked strong. Joined to the legs and underside of seat with 2-3 screws (nice to plug them so the viewer doesn't see those ugly screw heads) with or without a mortise.
You are correct that they play similar role as the stretchers, reducing the tension on those legs. I'm not sure how they compare to H stretchers on stability but honestly don't think it matters. Legs that are correctly reamed and wedged in a good seat are very strong and don't need stretchers or knees. However, the average seater probably doesn't realize this and subconsciously feels more comfortable seating on a chair with stretchers or knees.
Thomas Moser makes a lot of chairs with knees. https://www.thosmoser.com/product-category/dining-room-furniture/hardwood-chairs/
Thank you jbailey- exactly what I was looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Mosers-Windsor-Chairmaking-Moser/dp/0806976306
Charlie,
that is a good book recommendation. Moser is kinda the leader in the use of knees. The more traditional Windsor chairmakers (Sawyer, Buchanan, Galbert, etc.) don't do much with them. They are a great option for someone who doesn't like turning/lathe.
I like Moser's use of the knees in terms of function and the unique look that is his own. Others make beautiful reproduction Windsors, Moser took the form and made it recognizable as his.
With regard to the elaborate turned undercarriage of traditional Windsors, if not done correctly, it adds nothing to the strength of the chair. Moser's knees can't help but add strength.