The days are lengthening, and warming, the cherry blossoms are everywhere … and a woodworkers thoughts turn to summer projects …
like, what about trying a rocking chair?
Years ago I made a couple of small rockers for my kids (from laminated cherry), and I haven’t tried to make a chair since. However, I really like the look of the ‘art’ rockers that Maloof and Hal Taylor and Gary Weeks, and many others in the US, make (although Gary’s are not so much ‘art’, and more to my taste as well). Hal Taylor provides a great set of links at his web address (http://www.haltaylor.com).
Given there are so many talented rocker makers around, I really don’t want to re-invent anything. I know for example that Taylor sells plans (for $US275!), and buying a set would provide me with all the essential dimensions, even if I struck out on my own design pathway.
OK guys – who has tried the ‘plans’ approach? Does anyone else sell plans? Can anyone share a set of dimensions I could build or re-design from? Pictures of favourite rockers?
Malcolm
Replies
Sorry, I'm not going to be much help, just wanted to chime in and say I love rocking chairs. The trouble is finding one that feels really good to sit in. In college I lived in a rocking chair that my parents had. I did a lot of studying in that chair and have a lot of fond memories of reading in that chair. Like a dope I sold it at a yard sale because my wife didn't like it. (She said it looked ugly, and I have to admit, it was kind of ugly. But it was comfy.)
I've been searching ever since for a really nice rocker. Most rockers you find today are really uncomfortable to sit in. I did find a nice one at a local shop that was almost right. The distance between the last set of posts holding the hand rails was a little to thin to fit my fat middle aged thighs. Otherwise it was great.
This past weekend we visited some friends. They had a pair of rockers on their front porch. (Veranda?) So of course I had to try them out. They were horrible.
Does anyone design furniture for people to use? Or is it all made as cheaply as possible while while at the same time looking good in a catalog?
Sorry, for the rant.
Geoff
Thanks - great rant!
Read what Gary Weeks says about the comfort of his rockers (and Hal Taylor about his). By their accounts these are superb chairs! Any independent experience here?
http://www.garyweeks.com/designing_rocking_chair.htm
Malcolmhttp://www.macpherson.co.nz
I've made a Hal Taylor rocker and they are indeed very comfortable. His flexible backslats are great. I'v also made and prefer the look and feel of Robert Hensarling's chairs http://mesquiterocker.com/index_chairs.html Neither are easy to make. Bobby
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled