| Project by mnorusis | posted 907 days ago | 2604 views | 17 times favorited | 20 comments |  |
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While I’ve always been handy, I have not been “truly” woodworking for too long and even though I’ve built quite a few things, I have yet to find something that I really really loved making from start to finish. Sure, it’s great to make things for the house and I take great pride in the projects I’ve done well, but for some reason something has been missing.
This is what I found myself reflecting on when my woodworking anniversary was coming up a few months ago. What I settled on was, while I’ve become quite passionate about woodworking, it was just that, a passion for woodworking. While not a bad thing by any means, I decided I needed to try and find something to build that I was passionate about. I decided only then would I be able to push myself to continue to improve my skills.
So the search for my woodworking anniversary project began. I considered and dismissed a great many projects for one reason or another, and was getting pretty disheartened, when I decided to go through my favorites and my woodworking bookmarks (no small feat) to see if there was a theme. That is how the idea to build a Maloof Style Low back Chair came to the front of my mind. While not a style for everyone, like many woodworkers before me, I had completely fallen in love with Sam Maloof’s style. The problem was, I really wasn’t sure if I was ready for such a project, so I did what I always do, read everything I possibly could about the subject. Finally, never really one to shy away from taking on something I really had no business doing, I settled on Scott Morrison's Maloof Inspired Low Back Chair templates and DVD
Let me just say what a great decision it was to go with those templates and DVD. On their own, they are basically perfect, but when you add in Scott’s willingness to help me through the process, they are invaluable. He’s very kind, patient and clearly passionate about what he does and helping others. Definitely the best decision of the project.
Overall, the chair took me 51 hours to complete. About 10 of those hours were devoted to tasks associated with this being my first time building this chair. Things like watching the DVD, making the templates and building the jigs. I think the next one will take between 30 and 35 hours. I’ve actually already started on a Settee using Scott’s templates (he has a Settee add-on to the low back chair templates).
Most importantly though, I think I found something I am just as passionate about as woodworking. Only time will tell, but building this chair was amazingly enjoyable. So enjoyable actually that I even enjoyed the sanding! As I said, I’m currently working on a Settee, and after that I plan on building other chairs, perhaps another one of Scott’s designs so I can continue to improve as a chair maker, with the eventual hope of designing my own.
Another important discovery, with this project, I’ve finally learned to be happy with the end result, while at the same time seeing the flaws in the finished product. For a lot of my projects, I simply haven’t been able to see past the flaws (not necessarily mistakes, but things that could have been done better). But I think I’ve finally learned that it’s okay for it not to be absolutely perfect, because the next one will be even better. And there most certainly will be a next one.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for taking the time to read through, and please know that any and all comments are welcome.
Thanks!
-Mike
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20 comments so far
Jeff
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114 posts in 1084 days
#1 posted 907 days ago
Great post Mike. The chair looks beautiful but it sounds like you got something more important out of the project than a place to sit.
I too want to find some project that really stirs up the motivation to do it again and again, improving the piece each time and honing my skills.
Your experience hits home,
Jeff
-- Jeff
Jamie Speirs
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3680 posts in 1026 days
#2 posted 907 days ago
Great Chair. Looks very inviting.
Great review as well.
Jamie
Look forward to the two seater
-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
KLorts
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10 posts in 979 days
#3 posted 907 days ago
Great work! I have a couple questions what tools are absolutely essential in the building of these chairs? (I know some of his other chairs require a lathe) Also what size wood is required and how much? I know the rockers take 8/4 and about 50-60bf so I assume this takes a little less. Thanks. Awesome job.
Todd A. Clippinger
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8654 posts in 2269 days
#4 posted 907 days ago
You did an awesome job on the chair! Great choice on the wood and excellent craftsmanship.
I can vouch for Scott’s character. He is a talented woodworker and he is not stingy with his knowledge. He has always been willing to give help and advice.
Great job and I look forward to seeing the next piece.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com
Clung
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97 posts in 951 days
#5 posted 907 days ago
Spectacular chair. I too love Maloof’s style, and thanks for posting the link to Scott Morrison’s site. I’ll be bookmarking his page! Again, beautiful job and looking forward to seeing the next piece.
-- Clarence
Brit
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4195 posts in 1012 days
#6 posted 907 days ago
Mike, if I wore a hat, I’d take it off to you sir. Beautiful chair. Can’t wait to see the settee.
-- Andy -- Old Chinese proverb say: If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it.
Gerry
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228 posts in 1410 days
#7 posted 907 days ago
Mike,
Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful result! Woodworking is most definitely a learning experience, and I too am beginning the journey of accepting the results of my work Your experience is inspiring to help propel me in the direction of building a chair, and some more complex projects.
before I do, I definitely want to perfect my efforts in the area of boxes, to learn more about this sometimes( right) exacting discipline called woodworking. I look forward to seeing the result of your efforts on the settee. Thank again!
-- -Gerry, Hereford, AZ ” A really good woodworker knows how the hide his / her mistakes.”
wseand
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1549 posts in 1211 days
#8 posted 907 days ago
Always love the Maloof chairs. I came out just incredible. Next I presume is the double rocker. Thanks for posting such an incredible piece.
-- Bill - "Freedon flies in your heart like an Eagle" Audie Murphy
Marc5
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301 posts in 1512 days
#9 posted 907 days ago
Man is that nice! Nicely done! I hope to be there one day.
-- Marc
lanwater
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2420 posts in 1104 days
#10 posted 906 days ago
That’s an awsome chair!
Sodabowski
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1811 posts in 1003 days
#11 posted 906 days ago
You made it really well Mike! I also came through that “something is missing” point before starting building my own electric guitars, so I can relate. Passion is a must have.
-- Thomas - There is no such thing as a problem, there only are solutions.
mnorusis
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153 posts in 1313 days
#12 posted 906 days ago
Thanks everyone for all the kind words. I’ve finished the seat for the Settee and am starting on the legs shortly, so the hardest part of assembly is done.
KLorts,
No lathe is required for this chair, the front legs are cut on the bandsaw instead of turned because of the gentle forward swoop. I used the TS, planer, jointer, rounter and 3 bits (2 roundovers + a straight mallof straight bit), bandsaw, angle grinder + 2 discs (a holy galahad course disc which looks like a bagel sliced in half and a regular 36 grit disc) my random orbit sander and lots of sanding discs and a few rasps. I’m sure there are a few other minor things I’m leaving out that any of us have laying around.
I think it was probably 30-35 BF of walnut, but I would need to go back and double check to be sure.
Sodabowski, you need to post some projects of your electric guitars! :-)
F Dudak
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342 posts in 1980 days
#13 posted 906 days ago
Great looking chair Mike!!
-- Fred.... Poconos, PA ---- Chairwright in the making ----
dfdye
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372 posts in 1207 days
#14 posted 906 days ago
The finish especially caught my eye. Very nicely done.
-- David from Indiana --
dakremer
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2271 posts in 1261 days
#15 posted 906 days ago
thats an awesome looking chair!!! VERY awesome. Especially for the first one. Like you, as of now i still have done woodworking that i am VERY passionate about (too busy with school….too poor….no shop…not enough time…etc…etc) I cant wait for the day I can build what i REALLY love! I’m glad you found it! Looks like you’ll be a pro in no time! Thanks for sharing – can’t wait to see the next one
-- Hey you dang woodchucks, quit chucking my wood!!!!
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