Green Wood Chair Making

1865 Big Hill Road,Berea KY 40403

13 March, 2023

Description

Dates: March 13 - March 17, 2023. 9am - 5pm. Five class days Instructor: Andy Glenn Description: In this class, we will begin the week with the log to collect 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 primarily use 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 the timber and lunches. 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 (we have a couple to share as well): 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): utility 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)