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Woodworking & Furniturecraft

Fine Furniture: Windsor Comb Back Armchair or Rocking Chair

Course Overview

Craft a family heirloom in this unique course designed for all woodworking skill levels.  Choose between a Windsor Comb-back armchair or a Comb-back rocker.  Students can  select from cherry, walnut, or maple for comb, legs, arms and stretchers; ash or oak for spindles; poplar or ambrosia maple for their seat. Both chairs will draw their inspiration from 300 years of American and European craftsmanship featuring comfort, good engineering, and each maker’s unique choice of wood species. The project will feature  serpentine arms, spindles on one inch centers, legs angled for maximum stability, and turnings with very clean lines styled to fit a traditional or modern decor. Chair heights and widths will be varied to adapt to each maker’s height and profile.  

All turned parts and tools will be provided.  Students will take home a completed chair that is glued up, leveled, and ready for paint or clear finish at home. This course offers a partner model, in which two people may work on one project for a single tuition and materials fee. Youth ages 12+ may attend as a partner to an adult, students ages 16+ are welcome to participate on their own or with an adult. 

Required Tools

  • All tools and equipment will be provided
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, ready to work on your feet all day

Optional Tools

  • Orbital sander
  • Rechargeable drill
  • Hand tools like a spokeshave, block plane, tenon makers, scorp, compass plane, travisher
  • One-inch grid paper if you want to copy a seat pattern
  • If you do bring some of your own tools, please mark them with your initials and bring a bag or bucket to keep them corralled.


 

Currently Scheduled Sessions

Tue, Sep 9th, 2025  –  Fri, Sep 12th, 2025
9am-5pm each day
Instructor: David Abeel