CHAIR MAKING PLANS
Drawings, process notes, and templates that comprehensively detail the proportions, angles and practical knowledge needed to make a chair by hand.
The plans include advice on material choices, order of process, how to methodically approach seat saddling, tips for successful steam bending, cutting list, and many other practical shop notes gathered from years making these chairs.
WHY MAKE A CHAIR?
A hand made chair is a functional sculpture, designed to be seen from all angles and used everyday. Chair making asks for accuracy, feel, and an intimate understanding of the properties of wood. It’s about angles, curves and a constant balance between strength, comfort, and proportion. Some components must be delicate and flexible, others strong and fitted under tension. Joints are wedged to relieve dependence on glue, and a well saddled seat can achieve exceptional levels of comfort.
Making a chair is a project well suited to a small workshop and achievable to woodworkers of all levels. Some of our plans are quick and simple to make, while others are more ambitious and involved. All of them incorporate the elegant functionality of traditional chair making techniques.
Estimated build time: 7-10 days
A more advanced project that brings together several of the processes found in the spindle back chairs but with slightly more complexity. The Morton stool involves a tighter steam bend, along with a more complex seat saddling process. Both achievable when approached correctly and the result is a very satisfying chair to make.
The plans set out each stage clearly, making it possible to take your time and work carefully through the build. It’s a rewarding project for anyone familiar with chair making who wants to explore more a demanding project.
The plan includes:
Four A1 (22×34″) sheets with all dimensions in metric and imperial
Front and side elevations
Contour drawings showing how to approach the seat saddling
Cutting list and full-scale drawings of all components
Seat and steam-bending templates
Step-by-step order of process with practical notes on shaping and fit
The plan is supplied as a digital download that can be printed full-scale at A1 or viewed on screen while working.