One of the Sturt Stoolers

Well just like last summer, I went to the Sturt Summer School and did a wood working course. This year’s course was making a Windsor Stool. This was done using technology dating back up to 400 years. It was definitely the most physical woodworking I have ever done.

You start with a piece of cut Camphor Laurel for the seat and one sawn log of Robinia. The Camphor laurel is shaped into a seat using bow saws, spoke shaves and a device called a Scorp to shape the seat. The log of Robinia is split and then draw knives are used to get the five pieces round enough to go into the pole lathe.

The pole lathe is just like any other lathe except it is treadle powered. The pole is what the rope is attached to make the spring for the treadle.

After five days of pulling, pushing, swinging and treadling I ended up with a stool. It was great.

There were eight in the group and a better bunch of people I have never met.

The teacher, Howard Archibold, was very patient as well. This was of particular use when dealing with me.

-- Living is a constant gamble, life is about working the odds in your favour