Morris inspired chair #5: I couldn't resist.....dry fit seat and back

Great continuation of the chair. It’s been a nice trip.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

This is a work of art, Bob. Really turning out to be a nice piece. I hear ya with the mosquitoes. In this neck of the woods, they are big enough to carry away a pet, or a small child. Just brutal! Again, a really great series. Really wonderful craftsmanship as well!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Great progress. I’ve got no suggestions on the finish. Perhaps Mark can weigh in.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

The chair looks really good Bob, as for the finish if you want a clear looking finish to highlight the wood- I would go with a good oil finish. Of course it means you have to prepare the surface better, by sanding to at least 400 if not 600. But nothing looks better I think than a natural hand rubbed oil finish. I use a natural product called Ardvos Oil. But any Danish oil of Boiled Linseed would look good as well.

Can’t wait to see it finished.

-- Kaleo , http://www.kalafinefurniture.com

following your blog—this looks really easy to build—this step, then this step, and voila. Here’s a magnificent chair.
Well done Bob. You definitely have proved that that you were up to the challenge.

Mosquitoes: we breed them here where I live. And all I have to do is feed them on a daily basis. It’s a draining job but somebody’s got to do it.
I hear that they don’t like the smell of garlic, so if you wear one of those anti-vampire garlic necklaces around your neck you should be good! :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I viewed your whole series of this chair this morning. It’s looking great, & I don’t think it’ll ever break apart. It should last many lifetimes. A beautiful heirloom.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Looking good…. I would use Watco Danish Oil..which is a thin varnish..then you can renew it without stripping an old finish….... I would also stick it out in the sun to darken it

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

Thanks all.

I was actually surprised that it has been as easy at it was. My joinery skills were just barely up to the task though. I struggled (and it shows) in a few spots. This has been a great experience though and has really raised my confidence level. It’s been kind of funny…I cut all the pieces and each time have expected the worse when it came time to fit up. Most times I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the fit. When I was 1st puting the back on the seat I was thinking “this is going to be screwed up somehow, SOMETHING has to go wrong” but it went in smooth…all the spacing was perfect…the 1/2” wooden washers will maintain exactly 1/4” space for the back to pivot….I was shocked it was so exact.

Sounds like an oil finish is the way to go. How long does it take for the sun to darken mahogany?

That’s the idea Dick…..I’m hoping my great, great, grandchildren have to draw straws to see who gets it…:). If it survives 10 years with me sitting in it, it will last forever. It should be almost impossible to come apart with all the pegs and wedges.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Well whadya know….Fine Woodworking is going to have the chair in a gallery of Sketchup designs to accompany an article on Sketchup later this year. I’ve been doing a blog on using Sketchup in FWW for the last couple months and they’ve asked me to contribute to the gallery.

Me? in FWW….for a design…..too weird.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

bravo!!!!
(on the fitting of the chair pieces AND on the FWW honour!))

Well done.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)