Question about plans

Hey Brian, here is a link for free plans from Jet.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Wow…I think $20 is kind of pricey for a set of adirondack chair plans. The going rate for downloadable plans on the Web is usually around $7 – $10.

The biggest difference I’ve seen in plans from one place to the other is the complexity of the design itself. I think some wood designers go a little over the top in making the joinery way more complicated than it really needs to be. And that extra complexity usually translates into a lot of extra tools and equipment in the shop to get it built. Unfortunately most plan descriptions don’t tell you this stuff one way or the other. So it’s kind of gamble when buying plans.

I’ve found some really simple designs for outdoor furniture just by browsing around a home center and looking realy close at how those (imported) chairs are put together. Maybe even sneak in a camera and take a few shots.

-- http://www.ezwoodshop.com

Norm has a several plans for different type of Adirondack chairs that you can get also, the later ones have full size templates which you will appreciate and you can buy a DVD of the episode also. You can find Norms stuff at http://www.NewYankee.com

Good luck these chairs they are a good gateway project for woodworkers just starting out.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

Thanks everyone. I like the look of the ones from Jet, and the price is right. I may try doing this before building a workbench.

There was a bench in American Woodworker a couple months back.
You could check your local library for back issues of magazines or books.

-- don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things

I drew up plans for an Adirondack chair some time ago. Actually I have yet to dimension it but I probably could do it for you if you want. Or I could just e-mail you the SketchUp file and you can work from that.

-- Until you spread your wings, you'll have no idea how far you can walk.

if you don’t mind emailing the file, that would be great. email should be in my profile.

You happened to hit on a subject dear to my heart – Adirondack chairs

Here a link to some free plans from Popular Mechanics

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/2919751.html

I like these chairs because they have curved back and seats – I find them more comfortable than flat.

Since these chairs are probably going to be outside, prepare them for the weather. Some of the things you do during construction that don’t take much extra time can add a lot to their longevity.

Coat all the pieces with either primer or stain/sealer (depending on whether you final finish is stain or paint) before you assemble.

Use exterior glue (I’d use Gorilla glue or the equivalent) to add strength but mainly to reduce moisture from wicking into the joints.

You can just use deck screws to put it together, but it’s best if you countersink them and plug the holes with solid wood plugs (a bit to cut the plugs isn’t too expensive). That keeps water from tracking along the screws and eventually weakening the joint.

Use carriage bolts for the main structural connections, eg legs to seat.

Leave a gap between the slats on the back at the bottom – at least 1/4”. If you keep them snug, they’ll trap debris and moisture.

Hope this helps.

Have fun. This is a great project. I’m sure your wife will be impressed.

-- Jake http:/www.adirondackchairscentral.com

Here is a set of plans for “Jake’s Chair”, a really nice Adirondack chair – and they are free.

The website is located at http://www.internetwoodworking.com/w5/chair.html

I was in Puerto Rico recently and the beach house where I stayed had a store bought adirondack chair made in mahogany. The chair was very nice, that is, until you sat down. The down angle was not right, and the chair was not deep enough. It was highly uncomfortable.

About the only good thing about it was those wide arms to properly hold your drink…

-- There are three kinds of people... those who can count, and those who can't