Learn the foundational principles of greenwood furnituremaking while building a ladderback chair. We will learn to use hand tools like drawknives, axes, and spokeshaves as we shape the posts, rungs and slats that make up our chairs. We will cover all the steps of chairmaking, from splitting parts out of a log, to steambending and drying wood, and finally assembling the chair frame with mortise and tenon joinery. Students will become familiar with using shop-made jigs and shave horses to make their chair parts by hand. Once our frames are assembled, students will be guided through options for weaving a seat and putting a finish on their chair at home. Previous woodworking experience is recommended, but beginners will be supported in skill-acquisition and are encouraged to join us. Chairmaking with hand tools requires moderate to high amounts of stamina and hand strength. Long periods of sitting on a shavehorse and using hand tools will be necessary.

Required Tools

• None

Optional Tools

• If you have a sharp drawknife or other chairmaking tools feel free to bring them, but all necessary tools will be provided.