this is an Introductory Class
An arm chair companion to the Post & Rung or Classic Side Chair
The arm chair is a direct descendant of the post & rung side chair with the addition of beautifully hand shaped arms and larger dimensions. And it uses the same bending forms and many of the same drilling jigs as the post & rung side chair
This seven day class will take you, step-by-step, through the process of hand crafting a Brian Boggs designed Arm Chair. Because class size is limited to three students, you get personalized instruction and can work at your own pace. Every process is broken down into small, manageable steps so that you can concentrate on mastering one task at a time before moving onto the next. Whenever a new process is introduced, especially for hand shaping, you are given the opportunity to practice on spare material before working on your actual chair part. In addition to showing you how, I always explain why, so that you will understand underlying concepts and how each step fits into the big picture.
Learn how to
Select lumber and mill parts for chairmaking
Steam bend the rear legs and slats
Hand shape curved and straight parts using a drawknife, spokeshave and scraper
Prep and turn the front legs
Shape and install the arms
Work with angles and curved parts
Use moisture content and grain orientation to make a long-lasting joint
Assemble using hide glue
Sharpen chairmaking tools
Weave a hickory bark seat
Fully illustrated manual
The class includes an 94 page, fully illustrated manual that documents the process for building your chair from beginning to end. It serves as a step-by-step reminder of the steps taught in class. Because the manual is so complete it minimizes or eliminates the need for you to take notes. This allows you to spend all your class time learning new techniques and working on your chair.
Jigs
Part of the challenge of building a chair in your home shop is making the bending forms and jigs. The manual that is included in the class fee has drawings and dimensions for the every form and jig.
Register
See the 2023 class schedule here
Class fee: $1,650. Includes 7 days of instruction, chair and seat materials, and fully illustrated manual.
Prerequisite: None