Classic Ranch made of Argentine Mesquite with Ivory, Ebony and Tiger maple

This is my newest rocker in my ‘Classic Ranch’ style. The classis name is for the standard Headrest or not my ‘Crown’ etc. The ‘ranch’ is one of my styles of the front leg. The Argentine Mesquite I used is one of my favorite woods. It is two and a half times stronger than oak and has beautiful grain characteristics. It is very heavy and durable although a bit hard on tools while overcoming this it is a delight to work with.

This rocker has a ‘Natural’ edge on the top of the Headrest, which the customer wanted, and this allowed me to add a similar contour to the back legs, at the top, for addition of Ebony and Ivory accents. The runners are laminated with Tiger Maple accents. I set the front legs to the maximum forward position on the runners for a different profile. The rocker is ‘balanced’ to a bit laid back position and a touch heavy construction for extra future usage.

You will note there are five Backslats with a ‘crescent moon’ design whereas I sometimes use a ‘full moon’ or add a ‘bowtie’ to the design. Many times I use ‘seven’ Backslats if the mood suites me, but always an uneven number of slats because this seems to be more pleasing to the eye. No big deal if you use five or seven Backslats unless you are making a design statement as I did on my “Aloha” rocker to simulate tropical leaves. With the “Aloha” rocker five Backslats with a wider front profile was my desire and it fit the space more pleasingly.

I hand delivered the rocker to a Doctor’s office, one hundred miles away, for the joy an old woodworker gets with every new project, to be used in their waiting room. Boy did I get a swelled head when all the Doctors, nurses, patients and visitors gave their accolades while admiring, setting, touching and feeling the wood of the rocker. Then when the owner pointed out “this is the woodworker who made this rocking chair” each, in turn, looked at me in amazement and asked questions along with giving praises. Boy is this fun!

You may see better pictures of this rocker amd more on my web site at kappelusa.com

-- Rocking Chair Guy