Build a Continuous Arm Windsor Chair
Tuition: $1800
Ages: 16 & Up
Instructor: Luke Barnett
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
Build a Windsor Continuous Arm Chair with chair maker and SBWI founder Luke Barnett. Spend 7 days immersed in the world of green woodworking, as we start with logs on Monday morning and finish with a continuous armchair on Saturday. Class will run through Sunday if you would like to build a rocking chair or need a little extra time with your side chair.
Students will shape the components of their chair with hand tools. You will learn how to use an axe and a froe to rive sections out of a log. Then, use draw knives, spokeshaves, scrops and travishers to shape the spindles and seats.
Students will also learn proper steam bending techniques to bend the continuous arm design.
Under expert guidance from Luke, learn how to layout chair legs. Learn how to layout and drill mortises with limited tools, a technique that is very accessible and repeatable at home.
With a maximum of 6 students, you'll receive personalized instruction in a fully equipped woodworking college.
Note: We will supply the chair legs for each student. When you register for this class, you will choose between bamboo or cigar. See photos below.
Learning Objectives
Learn to sculpt spindles and carve the seat using hand tools. Please note, this is a hand tool-intensive class. There will likely be additional hours needed during this class; expect to work late some days.
Learn how to build a kiln and control the moisture content in wood before joining
Learn hot to rive a log to get perfect, straight-grained lumber.
Learn how to bend the balloon back and fan back bows using steam
Learn to use descriptive geometry and/or trigonometry to solve for sightline and resultant angles in chairs. This methodology is also used in complex hip roof structures.
Gain an intimate knowledge of timber by starting with a log and exploiting the physical structure of the wood to obtain the perfect material. Mechanized machines are unable to obtain the same quality of the material.
Learn to understand the utilization of different species of wood, and how to push wood beyond its quantified limitations laid out in the Wood Engineering Handbook
Learn from start to finish how to craft your own hand-crafted Windsor Chair that will last for generations
Gain an understanding of the concept of Biophilia, and the physiological and psychological benefits human beings experience when being in a space with wood products and surfaces, including: lowered blood pressure and lowered heart rate, increased activation of the parasympathetic nervous system/calming, perception of warmth, expressed visual preference for the space, and perception of being connected to living things.
Tool List: (We provide all the tools, but you are also welcome to bring your own)
Cordless drill w/ 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 Brad Point drill bits
Spokeshaves - round and flat
Travisher
Scorp
Drawknife
6-degree reamer
Folding rule
Japanese style flush cut saw
Large gouge - Pfiel 3/25 is perfect
Set of Lee Valley Dowel Cutters - 1/2, 7/16, 3/8
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 5201 Forrister Rd, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Minimum 4 Students, Maximum 6
Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email admissions@sbwi.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I transport the chair in my vehicle or on an airplane?
A: If you have limited vehicle space or fly here, we will only glue up the bottom portion of the chair. This will allow you to box it for carry-on or ship it to your home. You can then complete the glue-up at home.
Q: Do we make the turnings in class?
A: The turnings are provided for this class.
Q: Do we finish the chair in class?
A: No, the chairs are not finished in class, but we will discuss the finishing process and instructions to take home.
Q: Do I need to bring tools or wood?
A: No, we provide all the tools and wood you will need, but you are welcome to bring your own tools if you would like.
Q: What species of wood is used in this class?
A: Windsor Chairs are built using three species of wood: White Oak, Hard Maple, and Eastern White Pine.
