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The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Windsor Chairmaking by James Mursell

Betsy Engel, contributor

4 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Crowood Publishing

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Windsor Chairmaking by James Mursell.
Crowood Press, 2009.
$49.95; 176 pp.

Here’s another book we received from the publisher and we're giving you an opportunity to win a copy. Leave a comment here for your chance to win.

Windsor Chairmaking by James Mursell is written for a broad audience - those with Windsor chairmaking experience and those who want to give it a try. The book covers the history of the chairs and provides information on the materials and tools needed to build them. Also included are detailed plans for four different chairs (two English and two American). This is a pretty book loaded with color photos and line illustrations.

Lucky gbruce is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Check back later to see his "review" of the book.

Add Comment Print

Q&A with Period Furniture Maker Philip C. Lowe

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3 exotic woods: English elm, Claro walnut, and English brown oak

Comments (90)

jayrw writes: I am in the middle of a Windsor Chairmaking class at the Heritage School of Woodworking in Waco, Tx. This is a book to help me continue making these gorgeous chairs. Thanks.
Posted: 8:39 pm on April 4th

eddo writes: in a time when so many famileys have drifted apart woodworking has been a great common bond in keeping my son and i close.i have always wanted to make a windsor chair with him and present it to his mother.the book would be a great offering!!thank you for this chance ..ed
Posted: 10:17 am on April 19th

TheLeftHand writes: Count me in!
Posted: 3:53 pm on February 17th

joetatoo writes: I just recently started with finishing carpentry after almost 30 years of framing homes. this wold be a great book to learn how to make a windsor chair as well as the basics to chair making period. Thanks guys.
Posted: 10:00 pm on February 16th

Dave Worsencroft writes: There are ttraditional and modern ways of making a windsor chair. In July I am going to take a class to make one in a traditional fashon. This would be terrific to read before I go to the class.
Posted: 8:32 pm on February 16th

carltodasco writes: great book
Posted: 1:09 pm on February 16th

CherylMc writes: This book would help me learn to take this on as a buisness instead of a hobby.
Posted: 9:47 am on February 16th

DrDaryn writes: This sounds like a very interesting book. I have never given much thought to making these kind of chairs but with the right info and instructions that could change!
Posted: 3:34 am on February 16th

nesta67 writes: Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted: 12:28 am on February 16th

Ardy22 writes: I have always wanted to try working with chairs and this book would be a good start!
Posted: 12:17 am on February 16th

juau4 writes: Something I've always wanted to do!
Posted: 11:12 pm on February 15th

TBrown3589 writes: My wife and I are starting to do more wood projects. This would give us some wonderful ideas.
Posted: 10:58 am on February 15th

Ziggywag writes: My husband makes furniture and I want new chairs so this would be perfect for us.
Posted: 9:16 am on February 15th

Minnesota writes: PLEASE. Send me the book so I can send you a review! (-:
Posted: 7:08 pm on February 14th

reesiebear writes: Looks like an interesting book!
Posted: 5:57 pm on February 14th

fcsdave writes: This would be a fun and fascinating project. Thank you for the chance to win.
Posted: 2:05 pm on February 14th

fmarabate writes: Pick me please.
Posted: 10:34 pm on February 13th

sk2tobin writes: always in for a free book
Posted: 1:05 pm on February 13th

sederunt writes: Most of the books I have are from Taunton ,but I have also purchased the " further reading" in the older copies of Finewoodwoorking there was also a section on new books .
It`s good to be able to read comments.
Posted: 3:14 am on February 13th

Oldtyme writes: Sign me up.
Posted: 2:07 pm on February 12th

Steelrain73 writes: I would love to win a copy.
Posted: 9:30 am on February 12th

chucktown writes: I like books too!
Posted: 8:32 am on February 12th

wwwtwisi writes: This book looks very interesting.
Posted: 6:55 pm on February 11th

bksup writes:
Thanks for the great sweepstakes.
Posted: 5:24 pm on February 11th

diaperchamp writes: would love to win this
Posted: 10:39 am on February 11th

jjmurray writes: I would love to win this book
Posted: 8:22 am on February 11th

rodk1 writes: I've not built a Windsor chair yet but would love to have
this book to help me for when I do.
Posted: 11:33 pm on February 10th

PineHillPrimitives writes: I have made over 50 Windsor Chairs and have taught myself this fantastic craft. I use the same techniques that were originally used in the 18th century. I use a log and split it out for the best quality,strength and flexability in the steam bent pieces, and the tapered tenon locking joints for the legs. These are Chairs, that in my opinion, most woodworkers should make at least once, to get a better sense of how those early craftsmen had to use the tools and methods of there time to make a superior chair that can still be sat in today. Windsors have a quality and history that deserve to be better known.
Posted: 11:22 pm on February 10th

Walt writes: I've made 4 chairs a rocker and a settee in the windsor style. It is a lot of fun and I would like to win the book

Thanks
Walt
Posted: 6:59 pm on February 10th

stevo1952 writes: Hope it's not too late. I have built five Windsors starting with Curtis Buchanan. They are contagious. I would love to have that book.
thanks,
Stevo
Posted: 4:23 pm on February 10th

BrianG writes: I've always wanted to learn how to build chairs, especially Windsors.
Posted: 3:29 pm on February 10th

zzBill writes: About 10 years ago my first attempt at making a chair was for my dining room. It was a Craftsman style design. I brought the finished chair up from my basement workshop and proudly displayed it, and one of my sons comment was, "Dad, it looks like an electric chair." Ah, kids can be so truthful at times. I certainly would like to give Windsor chair making a try, and this book looks like it will be just the ticket for assistance. I can then match my kitchen Windsor chair set.
Posted: 1:05 pm on February 10th

yohann writes: i would like to add that to my collection of books.
Posted: 12:15 pm on February 10th

paulcooper201 writes: A Windsor chair would be the perfect first spring project when the shop re-opens (too cold for now so reading gets the creativity flowing!). I'd love to win this!
Posted: 11:01 am on February 10th

deisbell writes: I've never made anything that looks like the chair on the front of the book. I would love to learn more about the techniques.

Dennis
Posted: 9:55 am on February 10th

jhonbaker writes: I like books.
Posted: 8:40 am on February 10th

bill_tily writes: I made a Winsor at John C Campbell School. It made me realize how much I did not know about Winsors. This book would help fill the gap.
Posted: 7:02 am on February 10th

TedFurlong writes: This book would really help me make progress on the kitchen table/chair set I am planning. Count me in!
Posted: 9:10 pm on February 9th

MrHudon writes: I've built a couple of Windors with Mike Dunbar, it would be nice to compare techniques from this book.
Posted: 6:34 pm on February 9th

An54drew writes: I also met James at West Dean last summer...his tools are certainly well sharpened...I personally tested the corner of his travisher blade on my thumb and regretted it!

To his credit James knew where the First Aid kit was!

The West Dean exhibition, in the summer, was organised by Classic Hand Tools UK - suggest a look at both their website and this year's exhibition.
Posted: 5:47 pm on February 9th

mvflaim writes: I've made some Windsor chairs a few years ago but would love to expand my chair book collection. "The Chairmaker's Workshop" by Drew Langsner is an excellent book. I wonder how this compares.
Posted: 2:19 pm on February 9th

JLYoung writes: A windsor chair is on my very long bucket list of projects to build. Please count me in
Posted: 1:00 pm on February 9th

odd jobs writes: My wife keeps after me to make her a Windsor chair, and I am afraid to tackle the project, because I don't want to put out a shoddy project. If I win the book, it would give me the ability to tackle the project and keep her smiling.
Posted: 10:57 am on February 9th

WouldWorker writes: Well, since my last name is Windsor, I should build at least one Windsor chair in my life.

Chris Windsor
Posted: 7:32 am on February 9th

dcupp writes: Love to have it... sooner of later I want to build one.
Dean

Posted: 11:44 pm on February 8th

danmart writes: OK this looks like a long shot but hey if I don't enter the contest I won't be able to bad mouth FWW for not picking poor pitiful me. Ha. Just hurry up with the results OK? I'm getting anxious and I don't want all these other Knotheads to come along and fill up the hat.
You could make me babble even more if you had posted a couple of those glossy color shots in between the covers... maybe?
later
Posted: 9:36 pm on February 8th

jgwpat writes: This is certainly one book I want to read and have on my shelf. I thoroughly enjoy building Windsor Chairs and would be delighted to win this book. I'm a real optimist so will wait until next week's drawing BEFORE ordering my copy.
Joe
Posted: 6:44 pm on February 8th

miniaturehome writes: This book looks like a real prize! ;-) Would love to win it!
Posted: 5:44 pm on February 8th

robbo41 writes: Looks like a good book to have.
Posted: 2:28 pm on February 8th

MikeLingenfelter writes: Someday I would like to make a Windsor Chair.

Mike

Posted: 12:43 pm on February 8th

gbruce writes: This is a book that worth owning, my son and I are just looking for information on chair building.
Posted: 10:26 am on February 8th

tlpmap writes: Love to win this one!
Posted: 9:54 am on February 8th

DaveRichards writes: Looks like an excellent reference book.
Posted: 9:53 am on February 8th

SuperDuty writes: Count me it!
Posted: 9:39 am on February 8th

Juerg writes: That would be a very nice addition to my woodworking library!
Posted: 9:36 am on February 8th

deltoune writes: Would be a good addition to my collection
Posted: 9:30 am on February 8th

Red_F writes: I've always felt that a finely built windsor chair was a mark of a true craftsman. I've always wanted to build one.
Posted: 8:57 am on February 8th

bcbutler36 writes: As a novice woodworker, chair making scares me! Adding this book to my collection would give me the confidence to tackle a chair in the near future!
Posted: 8:35 am on February 8th

tjkillian writes: Very cool, I love Windsor chair making!
Posted: 8:33 am on February 8th

jcwnr writes: I would like a copy of this book.
Posted: 7:06 am on February 8th

DaveHarrison writes: I've always liked Windsor chairs - perhaps this book would encourage me to have a go at making one.
Posted: 6:49 am on February 8th

Lori K writes: Making a Windsor chair is definitely on my to do list. Of course that list is getting really big and I will also have to add a book or 2 to my to the list. Everything I know about woodworking (admittedly, not much) has been learned from sites like Fine Woodworking and their magazines. I also purchase books on the topic/projects I would like to learn/make.
Winning this book would defray some of those costs.
Thank You

Posted: 12:56 am on February 8th

toobguy writes: Although the odds are not in my favor, I sure would like to win this book. This would be a challenge to make, but the read would be equally fun. So, I'll toss my hat in the ring for a chance.....
Posted: 12:54 am on February 8th

Rick58 writes: I'm shamelessly stealing an idea from a previous post. I have a 100+ yr old barn that was hammered by Katrina. The pine would make great windsor chairs - if only I knew how (or could find a book on it).


Posted: 11:11 pm on February 7th

webbwood writes: never thought of making a windsor style chair but would be nice to learn the technique to place a chair with the harvest table my friend and I ae about to make from Pine trusses dating back 1910 or shortly there after the whole house itself was 1850's we'll let you see the pictures as we start the project
Posted: 10:58 pm on February 7th

ocean8535 writes: i love windsor chairs!
Posted: 10:04 pm on February 7th

Larrythewoodguy writes: Yes please enter me in the draw for this one. thanks
Posted: 7:30 pm on February 7th

jwickham writes: After making my first Windsor Chair last year. I realized very quickly that I need all the help I can get with the next one! Sign me up for the contest!
Posted: 7:16 pm on February 7th

TheLeftHand writes: Count me in!
Posted: 6:21 pm on February 7th

urge2surge writes: Yes put my name in the drawing. It sounds like a book I would love to read in the evenings.
Posted: 6:19 pm on February 7th

pete1506 writes: Looks like a great book
Posted: 5:53 pm on February 7th

wmalcolmg writes: Windsor chair making/principles are the heart ad soul of wood design and construction(dry tenons in moist holes). Pleases add my name. Malcolm G
Posted: 5:28 pm on February 7th

highpro writes: Count me in. I have not yet made chairs!
Posted: 5:24 pm on February 7th

poppydale writes: Never made a chair, But I'd like to try! come on help me out here!!
Posted: 5:16 pm on February 7th

DrHWO writes: I met James at Westdean last year. Gave me a personal walk through the use of his travisher. What a great piece of kit for shaping a seat. I would love to have a copy of his book too!
Posted: 4:57 pm on February 7th

DrHWO writes: I met James at Westdean last year. Gave me a personal walk through the use of his travisher. What a great piece of kit for shaping a seat. I would love to have a copy of his book too!
Posted: 4:57 pm on February 7th

DrHWO writes: I met James at Westdean last year. Gave me a personal walk through the use of his travisher. What a great piece of kit for shaping a seat. I would love to have a copy of his book too!
Posted: 4:56 pm on February 7th

DrHWO writes: I met James at Westdean last year. Gave me a personal walk through the use of his travisher. What a great piece of kit for shaping a seat. I would love to have a copy of his book too!
Posted: 4:56 pm on February 7th

DrHWO writes: I met James at Westdean last year. Gave me a personal walk through the use of his travisher. What a great piece of kit for shaping a seat. I would love to have a copy of his book too!
Posted: 4:55 pm on February 7th

JadeEagle writes: I would love to be able to make chairs. I have a dining room table but no chairs. What a great thing to make my own chairs!
Posted: 4:53 pm on February 7th

sk2009 writes: This book should be mine,because I just finished a Brian Boggs shavehorse with no chair making project!!! Please, please HELP ME.
Posted: 4:53 pm on February 7th

deerfielder writes: I'd love to have this on my shelf
Posted: 4:44 pm on February 7th

LarryMarshall writes: I love Windsor chairs and I'd love to win a copy of this book. Pick me, pick me [photo of crazy woodworker jumping up and down here]

Cheers --- Larry
Posted: 3:52 pm on February 7th

bobandsally writes: I have made a few Windsor chairs and would love to have a copy of this book. Bob
Posted: 3:42 pm on February 7th

HLocke writes: I would love to get a hold of this book.
Posted: 3:35 pm on February 7th

djmurray writes: Count me in!
Posted: 3:29 pm on February 7th

byrd1 writes: I never win nuttin:(
Posted: 2:55 pm on February 7th

baudi writes: Count me in!
Posted: 2:37 pm on February 7th

calouche writes: This book would point the way to making my first chair. Love to have it.
Posted: 1:19 pm on February 7th

frank T writes: I would like to add this book to my collection!
Posted: 10:31 am on February 7th

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