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JAPANESE GARDEN BENCH

comments (3) November 28th, 2009 in Reader's Gallery

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I made this after an articel in Fine Woodworking. I think the design is beautiful but honestly it's not so comfortable to sit in. So if I make another one I will increase the angle on the reare legs.

The most difficult was the glue up even if I made it in several steps.


Design or Plan used: Made after an articel in Fine Woodworking – May/June 2008 – By Russel Jensen.
posted in: Reader's Gallery, bench, ash, asian inspired
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Comments (3)

Russell Russell writes: I tinkered with a larger angle on the rear legs but that's not the issue. Sometimes comfort and style don't go hand in hand. As much as we would like them to, it just isn't always possible. The problem is that your back rests on the arched rail at the back, which is fairly narrow (2-2 1/2") and not on the slats and lower rail. Typically on say a traditional tutor style bench you have a much larger rail for your back to rest on (~4"). You could drastically increase the angle of the legs so that your back also rest on the slats, but who are we kidding here this is a bench, not a lounge chair :). I wouldn't say that my bench is uncomfortable though, I have sat in one for more then an hour and walked away just fine. I'm very happy that you folks like the design of the bench, which was first and foremost on my mind when I created it. Cheers.

Russell Jensen
Posted: 2:59 pm on May 11th

FRANK001 FRANK001 writes: Interesting ! I did the same thing as you did : I built the bench after reading de same article. I used red cedar and the look is great, but I have the same concern as you in matter of comfort. Is it the angle of the rear legs, the lack of depth of the seat ? I am not too sure. I will test those issues next spring (my shop is not heated and I live around Montréal in Canada. Yesterday it was -15 C)

Posted: 6:30 pm on January 13th

Jurgen01 Jurgen01 writes: I can't comment on the correct back-angle for this bench, but I can say it is a great design aesthetically. It combines great soldity with graceful details. Very nice!
Posted: 6:03 pm on December 2nd

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