Replies

1. 
   xxxxx | Apr 09, 2008 04:30am | #1

   Other then some rules of thumb, you probably won't find a lot of hard and fast rules on rocking chair design.  Much depends on the person sitting in it as to whether or not a rocker  is a good one.  There have been some excellent threads in the past here on the forom.  Try to archive them if you can.  Perhaps some of the more astute fellows can help.  Any thing you can find by Brian Boggs in FWW will help as well.  I have a file of info I downloaded when I was in my 'rocking chair' phase but I can't put my hand on it right now.

   I do remember there are a lot of variables in the design of a rocker so unless you like the idea of lots of experimenting, try to find a good plan.  Even then, theres no guarantee it'll fit the person you build it for.  All that said, there's nothing quite so satisfying as a good rocker.  It's worth it.

    

   Paul

   Some of the info I have  - Knots-Fine Woodworking discussion  / The  Gallery  / Rocker July 1, 2001  Bill Lindau   & several following messages

   
   

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   Edited 4/8/2008 9:47 pm ET by xxxxx

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 09, 2008 02:31pm | #2

   Thanks for the comments. I've built childrens' rockers before, and did it just taking a wild guess at it. I'm leaving this thread open to comments and suggestions.

   Denny

1. 
   WillGeorge | Apr 10, 2008 05:09am | #10

   I've built childrens' rockers before,.

   I did too! ONE AND I had to cut the rocker off and move the tenons.. Rocker a Bit lower these days!

   Am I still a Craftsman?

   Edited 4/9/2008 10:10 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Apr 10, 2008 04:53pm | #11

   Will,

   Am I still a Craftsman?

   Only if you made the duct tape invisible!

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 10, 2008 05:43pm | #13

   Am I still a Craftsman?........

   Well Will, that depends on what's written on yer tool. <g>

2. 
   Pippins | Apr 09, 2008 02:42pm | #3

   blewcrowe, I suggest that you post the question at the rocking chair group.

   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rocking_chair_group/

   Steve

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 09, 2008 02:49pm | #4

   Wow. I had no idea there was a "rocking chair group". I am ever amazed by the internet: what you can find is astounding. Did you see those pics of Elliot Spitzer's gir..., uh, nevermind.

   So now, I suppose you're going to tell me that there is a separate group for old rocking chairs, new rocking chairs, tall rocking chairs, short rocking chairs, straight rocking chairs, crooked rocking chairs, squeaky rocking chairs and dysfunctional rocking chairs?

   Den

   Edited 4/9/2008 7:49 am ET by blewcrowe

1. 
   Pippins | Apr 09, 2008 02:58pm | #5

   blewcrowe, it is amazing at volume of information that is available via the internet. Try searching using Google and you may find more sites. The Yahoo rocking chair group has some knowledgeable people that should be able to help.    

   Steve

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Apr 09, 2008 10:20pm | #7

   Forgot about the old phart rocking chair.  Special seat configuration with an optional propulsion accessory!

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 09, 2008 10:31pm | #9

   Forget about propulsion accessories: just cut a hole in the bottom and place a bucket under it, just in case. Ha.

   Den

3. 
   pickdesign | Apr 09, 2008 10:03pm | #6

   try this link:

   http://www.rockingchairs.net/Pages/Rocker%20Radius%20Explanation.htm

   should get you what you need.

   Steve

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 09, 2008 10:30pm | #8

   Yes Steve: that's exactly what I was looking for. Solves a lot of testing and mystery. Thanks much.

   Denny

4. 
   GW52 | Apr 10, 2008 05:02pm | #12

   Blew,

   I built a Craftsman style rocker for myself and it came out great or at least that is what my wife said but............. She is about 5 foot tall and with her little legs would not reach the floor. When she said "I can't use this" I reminded her that I made this for ME. There will come a time that I will make a matching chair for my better half, but either the legs or the arches will have to be altered. You might want to consider who you are making the chair for, one size does not fit all.

   I believe that the radius for this chair is 22 inches on the inner curve and 23.5 on the outer curve but this is just a guess.

    

   Greg

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   Edited 4/10/2008 10:04 am ET by GW52

   
   

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   Edited 4/10/2008 10:05 am ET by GW52

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 10, 2008 05:45pm | #14

   Most certainly, it's a consideration. I've built childrens' rockers, sort of Maloofish in look, but I'm thinking this coming winter I might tackle a more regular size one. This is not a have-to thing. But the link that one feller gave me has all the answers I need. Later.

   Denny

2. 
   chaim | Apr 11, 2008 01:55am | #15

   My wife is also five feet tall!

   maybe we should build em stilts!

   that way we won't be bothered all the time, having to get things down for em from high places!

   seriously, I agree with you. It certainly a good idea to consider the whom or where when building something!

   Chaim

    Make your own mistakes not someone elses, this is a good way to be original !