Rocking chair

[Fireball]

I happened upon my first lathe last Thursday and began my journey into making a rocking chair. It’s been on my list for a while now and finally I have the space and most of the tools I needed. 

 

Some new things I’ve learned these past few days;

1. Lathes are harder than they look. 

2. I can’t bend wood. Period. Lots of firewood. Decided on a straight back rocker. 

3. Lots of math. I couldnt believe how many compound angle holes had to be drilled. 

4. Pine splits. A lot. 

5. Rocking chair designs from the 60’s do not accommodate for my fat butt. Wife and kids got an awesome rocker though. 

All in all, for never even have built a chair before, I think it turned out ok. I’ll admit to some cussing and I might have even thrown a thing or two. 

The pattern on the back was by Sasho. 

[Scrolling Steve]

You are a craftsman !....Nice work !

[oldhudson]

I always admire someone who takes on a real challenge. Rocking chairs are right up there on 'hard to do' list. Well done.

I've successfully bent wood with a steam bender and frame (to clamp the piece to while it dries). Give that a try.

[new2woodwrk]

I've thought about doing a rocking chair as well - and that's as far as I'll probably ever get with it - nice job and thanks for sharing

[Fireball]

1 hour ago, oldhudson said:

I always admire someone who takes on a real challenge. Rocking chairs are right up there on 'hard to do' list. Well done.

I've successfully bent wood with a steam bender and frame (to clamp the piece to while it dries). Give that a try.

I’m debating on rather even trying one again. It was really frustrating. But I do want one for myself so maybe. I’m wondering two things though;

1. Will it break with the pattern already cut in it. 

2. Can you scroll on a bent piece like that?

I really liked the scroll work on the back rather than carving because I’m not about to pick up another hobby lol. 

[meflick]

Beautiful job.  Remember, we learn things with each item we make so the second one will not have as much issues and cussing and throwing as the first.  Thanks for sharing.

[Scrappile]

You certainly took on a difficult one.  Lot of spindles to turn, and precise  holes to dill.  Even shaping the seat is not easy.  Great job.

[oldhudson]

6 hours ago, Fireball said:

I’m debating on rather even trying one again. It was really frustrating. But I do want one for myself so maybe. I’m wondering two things though;

1. Will it break with the pattern already cut in it. 

2. Can you scroll on a bent piece like that?

I really liked the scroll work on the back rather than carving because I’m not about to pick up another hobby lol. 

What species of wood are you working with and how thick?

Bending wood always runs a risk of breaking the stock and having a pattern cut in it, IMHO, would make things worse.

I think you could scroll a curved back IF it rode on a sled that held it in position supporting the curved portions.

Another approach might be to use a band saw to cut a curved back from a thicker piece of stock. That would be a pretty big piece because the back must be about 7". And you'd need to start with stock 1.25" - 1.5" thick. 

I wonder if there isn't a YouTube video on making chair backs?   Good luck!

[Fireball]

So the problem I ran into is I bought a mini lathe. You can only turn about 16in pieces. But the back needs to be like 28in tall. So i made the top of the back about 10in tall and I can only cut 3 3/4in tall with my bandsaw. I guess I could cut 3 of them and bend them together but I really am going to wait a long time before I try again. 

I think all told I have about 20 hours invested and I don’t think I could get that time down by more than about 5 hours. I’ll try again one day but more of a Maloof style instead. 

[amazingkevin]

22 hours ago, Fireball said:

I happened upon my first lathe last Thursday and began my journey into making a rocking chair. It’s been on my list for a while now and finally I have the space and most of the tools I needed. 

 

Some new things I’ve learned these past few days;

1. Lathes are harder than they look. 

2. I can’t bend wood. Period. Lots of firewood. Decided on a straight back rocker. 

3. Lots of math. I couldnt believe how many compound angle holes had to be drilled. 

4. Pine splits. A lot. 

5. Rocking chair designs from the 60’s do not accommodate for my fat butt. Wife and kids got an awesome rocker though. 

All in all, for never even have built a chair before, I think it turned out ok. I’ll admit to some cussing and I might have even thrown a thing or two. 

The pattern on the back was by Sasho. 

I'd never attempt what you've done.Someone brought me one all in pieces from the 1888 and had i not found a picture of the same one online it would have never been completed.I commend your talents!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lucky2]

Tyler, I think you did a great job making this rocking chair, if your lathe is not large enough,you could always buy the long back spindles.

Len

[Gonzo]

That is awesome!  A very difficult/challenging project. 

[heppnerguy]

very impressive. My woodworking skills seems to be at it's best as a sawdust maker

Dick

heppnerguy

[Woodmaster1]

Great job! I helping my son with a rocking chair it is not as involved as yours but it is his first major project.

 

 

Edited March 18, 2018 by Woodmaster1

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

That chair came out well and yes there is alot of hidden work that goes into a chair. Nice work.