| Project by USCJeff | posted 470 days ago | 522 views | 0 times favorited | 9 comments |  |
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While there will be no “oohs or aahs” with an Adirondack project, I really enjoyed this one. I consider this one of those right of passage projects. Along with a workbench, toolbox, hand plane, etc. . it’s one of those projects that everyone seems to do once in their career. The lumber, templates, and Lee Valley plan were gifted to me this last Christmas. My Brother-in-Law showed up my Holiday cutting boards by making almost 20 of these chairs for different family members. Wow, to say the least. He asked me if I wanted him to make it or give me the materials. I opted for the latter. He gave me a ton of rough cedar in random dimensions. I’ve always have had at least S2S lumber in the past. It was a different feeling, going from rough to finish. Fairly rewarding in my opinion. Took much longer obviously.
Anyways, the wood is cedar and wasn’t the clearest samples. I was able to get a decent face side for almost everything. I have not applied any finish at this point. I am going to let the sun even out the color a bit before treating it. You’ll notice my kids have already colored the arms with chalk somewhat. Thought about erasing it before the shot, but I’d be lying about how it really appears day in, day out! :)
Lessons learned: Cedar is easy to split. Had to take a lot of care to get the pilots and tapers just right. My shop smells great though, despite everything having a bit of a reddish hue to it.
-- Jeff, South Carolina
9 comments so far
Bigbuck
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1366 posts in 558 days
posted 470 days ago
Nice looking Adirondack chairs. It sure is nice watching ruff lumber turn into something isn’t it. Nice job.
-- Glenn, New Mexico
Napaman
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3488 posts in 972 days
posted 470 days ago
these are great!!!! I hear you on the sanding from rougher wood…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Bob A in NJ
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526 posts in 894 days
posted 470 days ago
Jeff
Nice job, good looking chairs, I like the high backs.
-- Bob A in NJ
Quixote
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167 posts in 533 days
posted 470 days ago
Jeff,
I’m tickled that you decided to leave the chalk marks. My little helper has crayon or marker ever ready to help decorate where needed. If the finished project doesn’t need that special touch, my mallet, sawhorse or other support work needs freshened up.
Good looking chairs too. It already looks like the family enjoys them.
Q
-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."
trifern
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7894 posts in 662 days
posted 470 days ago
Great chairs. Thanks for sharing Jeff.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 598 days
posted 470 days ago
Great job!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/
Betsy
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2386 posts in 791 days
posted 470 days ago
Everyone has to make at least one Adirondack chair. It’s a must.
These look great. They make for great sitting and you appreciate them so much more knowing what it took to make them.
Hopefully you saved some of your cedar shavings for little closet pouches. Put some in an old sock, tie the end in a knot and just put in on a shelf. Every whip stitch roll it between your hands to refresh it and the closet will be smelling good.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
Russel
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2059 posts in 834 days
posted 470 days ago
The chairs are good. And I must agree that there is a certain feeling of accomplishment taking something from rough lumber to a piece of furniture. Good work.
-- Working at Woodworking www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
Bill Akins
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236 posts in 593 days
posted 470 days ago
Great chairs. I have made 3 sets myself. i used pine though. I was given a bunch of rough cedar which I am currently making a cedar chest. It’s a lot of work without a planer. You will probably make more chairs in the future.
-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.