Greenwood Chair Making

1865 Big Hill Road,Berea KY 40403

20 June, 2022

Description

Make a Greenwood Chair. An ideal class for anyone interested in green woodworking and wanting to hand craft a chair. Date(s): June 20 - June 24. 9am - 5pm. Five class days Instructor: Andy Glenn Description: In this class, we will begin the week with the log to collect our parts and end the week with a completed chair. Greenwood chairmaking starts a with moisture content; the wetter wood of the posts shrinks around the dry rungs. That's what holds the chair together, as these chairs were traditionally made without the use of nails or glue (though we'll use a little glue, it's nice to use for the peace of mind ). We'll use primarily hand tools in the class, to shave and shape our parts. We'll split the log with a froe and maul. Then shave the posts and rungs at the shavehorse. We will steam and bend the back post, which both adds to the appearance and increase the comfort of the chair. This class is ideal for someone making their first chair or their 20th. My hope is that someone can take this class and feel confident returning home to make a chair in their shop. We'll cover all the relevant topics: moisture content, materials, tools and techniques, form making, seat weaving, and finish. The chair design is characteristic of a traditional Appalachian post-and-rung. Shaved with three slats, bent upper post, and a woven hickory back seat, this design is commonly found around the region. Class cost covers logs for the chairs and a daily lunch. Students: please bring your tool kit and seating material* * A couple seating options (I've listed a few and there are plenty of others ) hickory bark: collect during our workshop on June 18thhickory bark: purchase through Newberry and Sonsshaker tape: supplied by Shaker Workshopsfiber rush and other weaving materials: Basket Maker's Catalog Tool List:Needed: DrawknifeSpokeshave (Flat or Round bottomed, flat will be a little easier)Recommended: (please bring – especially the first eight on this list – but don’t run out to purchase if you don’t own one yet) pencilutility or pocket knifetape measuresliding bevel gaugestenon or dovetail sawsharp chiselpocket knife or (small) straight carving knifeclaw hammerhandsaw (smaller crosscut saw - ideally a tenon saw, though most anything will do)framing square or 24″ straight edgedeadblow or lump hammerblock planecompass (scribe)card scraperWe’ll use/cover, but not needed (please bring if you have them): froe, maul and wedgeshatchetpower tenon cuttersbevel setting gauge or protractor (a way to find angle for the sliding bevel gauge)   Berea College has re-opened the former Kelly Mehler School of Woodworking under the leadership of Berea College Head of Woodcraft Andy Glenn as The Woodworking School at Pine Croft. Both Andy and Berea College are dedicated to preserving the fundamental character the school has been known for as we move the school into its next phase.  The Woodworking School at Pine Croft further supports Berea College’s 120-year commitment to the preservation and promotion of craft. While in some ways woodworking is an individual pursuit, there are common traits that connect across makers: a desire to expand our skills, furnish our homes, surround ourselves with the handmade, and join a community of dedicated craftspeople. We believe that craft can both preserve traditions and beauty – and that craft can act as a counterbalance to a disposable and consumer-reliant world. Making is essential to us. We are excited to share a place where students can grow in their skills and fulfill their creative pursuits. Providing opportunities to work with leading instructors who come from diverse backgrounds and have different woodworking perspectives. All are welcome to attend