In September I had the good fortune to spend a week at Hal Taylor’s Rocking Chair University. Rocking Chair U gives you the chance to work with Hal in the building of one of his world famous rockers.
The week I visited he was building a prototype of a new, smaller rocker that was based on a chair that he had built years ago.
This was a week like none other! From the beginning to the end I learned so much. Not only about rocking chairs but woodworking itself.
Hal is a great instructor that freely shares his knowledge, tips and tricks and more. It truly was a wonderful week.
If you are interested I have documented the week here on my blog:
Rocking Chair University Week - Day 1
Rocking Chair University Week - Day 2
Rocking Chair University Week - Day 3
Rocking Chair University Week - Day 4
Rocking Chair University Week - Day 5
Hopefully I’ll be able to start building one of these fine chairs in the near future. I guess this is incentive to get the dozen or so projects that are now on my Todo list out of the way! :)
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com






















6 comments so far
Betsy
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2386 posts in 789 days
posted 359 days ago
Now that would be a fun week. The story chair is quite an inspiration.
Thanks for sharing.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
Bob #2
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3035 posts in 915 days
posted 359 days ago
I read the whole thing Ted and you are one lucky little man!
Looks like you got a better turn out at the moncton show than we got here at Edmonton.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
FlWoodRat
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582 posts in 802 days
posted 359 days ago
Sounds like you had a fantastic week with Hal. I hope he sent you a picture of the finshed project. By the way, your blog was well written and your photographs were great.
-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
FJDIII
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167 posts in 703 days
posted 359 days ago
Thanks for the post Ted. That must have truly been a great experience. Although I strive for perfectiion making Windsors there is a trust I have in the beauty of the chair. The style of the chair is already appealing to the eye, getting the symmetry down is where the art of the build comes into play. Thanks again I love these styles of chairs and this was enjoyable.
-- Fred.... Poconos, PA ---- Chairwright in the making ----
Todd A. Clippinger
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5631 posts in 992 days
posted 359 days ago
My envy meter just pegged out. I would love to spend time with Hal Taylor!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 616 days
posted 359 days ago
Ted, thanks for sharing your week with Hal Taylor. That must have been a great time. I would love to try a Maloof rocker sometime.
-- Martin, Kansas