Replies

1. 
   John_D | Dec 16, 2005 10:35pm | #1

   I'm planning to copy one my sisters and I got as a gift in '64... but it was made in 1901 (or earlier, that's when it got into our family).  It has two screws in it, all the rest is rock-solid joinery.  I hope my copy lasts for the next 100 years.

   Can you maybe go to a museum near you and take a few pictures?  If you can find a piece you like, you can usually figure out how they're put together.

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
1. 
   oldschool | Dec 17, 2005 12:11am | #2

   I will probably have to go to a museum or antique store and hopefully get someone to allow me to take pictures.  I envy the fact that you have a rocker that is that old and functional.

1. 
   John_D | Dec 17, 2005 01:07am | #3

   I will probably have to go to a museum or antique store and hopefully get someone to allow me to take pictures.

   Antique store's a great idea, because you'll be able to sit in it, take measurements, etc.

   By the way, I'm sure you can find plans if you're persistent.  I think a book I have at home actually has a plan, I can check if you like.  The book was published in 1905 or so originally (I have a reprint) so obviously it contains designs popular in that time period.  Ahh found the name of the book, it's "Mission Furniture: How To Make It" edited by Henry Haven Windsor.  I got it at Borders for about $12 or so.  It definitely has plans for a Mission-style rocker.

   I envy the fact that you have a rocker that is that old and functional.

   My sisters envy me too, because it was a present to us when we were little kids, from my grandparents (my grandfather refinished the rocker, which had been in the family since 1901, for us).  It ended up in my house because I had kids, and it's a kid-sized rocker.  I'll pass it on to the first of my kids who has children of their own, and I expect it'll be in the family until it can't be repaired and used.

   I wish my grandfather could have seen my sons in it, and my daughters. :)My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

2. 
   John_D | Dec 17, 2005 01:33am | #4

   I just noticed an article by FWW here. May have some data you'll find useful.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   oldschool | Dec 17, 2005 05:57am | #5

   Great resources John.  I will follow up.  I didn't realize the design would be so difficult.  Mario R. states it could take 3 or 4 tries in design to get it right.

1. 
   John_D | Dec 17, 2005 12:36pm | #6

   It's one thing to correctly design something from scratch.  It's much easier to "stand on the shoulders of giants."My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.