My Maloof lowback #10: The dark spots are my sweat

Your chair is looking great! My projects at this point have both sweat and blood stains… I used to be very cautious when removing wood, but after carving and sanding a lot of gunstocks, I use power tools and aggressive grit that would scare me to death when I started. How many chairs are going to be in your set? I am going to have a hard time getting 6 built that look alike. Everybody will be able to tell they were handcrafted…

-- Hal, Tennessee http://www.first285.com

Thanks!

I’m thinking two will suffice, as I started working on these last December… The plan is to make a sculpted tea table between them. And on top of that, a photo album of how these were made!

Nice looking chair, what type of wood did you use for the dowel pins? Also what finish do you plan to use?

-- Vince

The plugs are ebony. It was like drilling metal when making them. Regarding the finish, I hope to imitate the original, but unfortunately Maloof finishes cannot be shipped via air, and are not sold here in Finland. I have to study that a little more before choosing. I have been using Osmo Colors “oil wax” (direct translation from Finnish, I’m not sure what it would be in terms of normally used English names) with good results. I started with that stuff after talking to a pro cabinet maker, who uses it. The instructions on the oil wax can tell to stop standing around 200 grit. I have to do little testing, as my plan is to go to maybe 320, 400 or even 500. All suggestions welcome.

Looks like it’s going to be a really nice custom chair when you’re finished with it. Don’t worry about getting them all looking alike. One of the greatest appeal handmade furniture offers is its uniqueness -each in a set of handmade chairs would look different. You do excellent work!

-- Paul - The sweetest sound in my shop, next to Mozart, is what a hand plane makes slicing a ribbon.

Coming along nicely! Don’t give up, this is where you make it or break it.

-- If you can dream it, I can do it!