• Shop the Store
  • Best Sellers
  • eBooks
  • Books
  • Plans

  • Videos
  • Tools & Workshops
  • SketchUp

  • Finishing
  • Turning
  • Joinery
• Books
• Plans
• Videos
• Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Give a gift

  • Current Issue
  • Digital Issue
  • Online Extras

  • Magazine Index
  • Contact Us
• Subscribe
• Renew

• Blogs
• Knots
• Gallery

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Making a Welsh Stick Chair with Hugh Roberts

Betsy Engel, contributor

9 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Hugh Roberts

Add Comment
Print

Making a Welsh Stick Chair with Hugh Roberts
Self-published, 2012.
£10; approx. 2 hrs, 55 mins.

The Welsh stick chairs that Hugh Roberts teaches in this 2 DVD set are mostly made from green wood (with a seasoned wood seat) and made mostly with hand tools. The lessons are broken into16 different chapters and start with choosing the tree and go through all the steps, including making the legs, the stretchers and spindles, and drilling the seat for the legs, ending with assembling and gluing the parts. Mr. Roberts explains the process as if you are in the shop with him. In fact, he has a friend there most of the time who asks questions as a student might.

Hugh Roberts succeeds in making a Welsh stick chair look do-able and he instills confidence with his easy going attitude. For example, when laying out the legs he says, "If it looks right, it is right." He has been making these chairs for 25 years and shares his knowledge in an easy to follow format.

An added bonus is the fact that the DVD was filmed on the island of Anglesey in Wales. Between each chapter we are treated to different views of the beautiful island. It makes me want to go for a visit.

Lucky JohnPatrickTobin is the winner. His comment was chosen at random. Let's hope he posts an image of the chair he builds.

Add Comment Print

MIT Students and Professor Invent Handheld CNC Router System

Back to List

The Biggest Lathe We've Ever Seen

Comments (84)

JLYoung writes: My kids have ruined five of six of our dining room chairs using them at their computer desks and leaning on them. After taking a trip to the furniture store I was appalled at the quality and price of the chairs I saw there. I've been working wood for about six years and have pretty much stuck to shaker and mission cabinets work. In other words lots of straight lines. I think it's time to take it to the next level and try some chair making and I'm looking for reference info. This DVD would be awesome.
Posted: 1:56 pm on August 6th

Yavyn writes: I am a beginning woodworker and I really would like to make chairs in order to replicate some of the antique and family heirlooms that I have around. This would be a true learning experience.
Posted: 12:03 pm on August 6th

shavemaker writes: Working with chairs - especially such beautiful chairs would be such a blast! I would love this prize.
Posted: 12:41 am on August 6th

cropduster writes: This is a comment to win the DVD
Posted: 10:39 pm on August 5th

rwyoung writes: Enter me in the drawing!
Posted: 10:13 pm on August 4th

onyxoryx writes: I'd love to build a Welsh stick chair.
Posted: 9:45 pm on August 4th

jeanroy writes: I would love the challenge.
Posted: 7:43 pm on August 4th

Jasper_50 writes: Count me in for a chance at the DVD
Posted: 7:13 pm on August 4th

EricGower writes: Having seen many Welsh Stick chairs of many different vintages here in Wales and having made several English-style and US-style Windsor chairs, this DVD will inspire me to make one in strictly Welsh style!
Posted: 4:42 pm on August 4th

hikeandbike writes: I love the looks of the chair. What woods were used? I'd love to take a shot at making one or maybe a few.
Posted: 3:38 pm on August 4th

leeh522 writes: Looks like a fun project; looking forward to it.
Posted: 3:36 pm on August 4th

Bossmanl writes: MAKING ONE OF THESE CHAIRS WOULD TAKE ME BACK TO DAYS WHILE VACTIONING WITH MY FAMILY IN WALES AT WELSH PUB. BACK IN THE LATE 70'S WHILE ON LEAVE FROM SERVING MY COUNTRY IN THE UK.
Posted: 2:57 pm on August 4th

eeprub writes: Well
I think the stick chair project would be great. Especially getting everything together and working on it this winter.
I've been to Wales and watc;hing the video will be like going back if only in my mind.
Posted: 2:37 pm on August 4th

Trudyann writes: I've been thinking about making some chairs for my dining room, this design will blend in with my decor.
Posted: 1:05 pm on August 4th

monkey2020 writes: looks fun count me in
Posted: 12:39 pm on August 4th

pmangum writes: I'm in
Posted: 10:36 am on August 4th

RonSz writes: It looks like an interesting project.
Posted: 10:30 am on August 4th

wsw writes: This is a beautiful chair and making it would be a challange, but would really improve my skills.
Bill
Posted: 10:27 am on August 4th

JohnMcAlevey writes: "Welsh Stick Chairs" by John Brown is an inspiring book. I'd like to see this video and see how Robert's makes his chairs. JM
Posted: 10:15 am on August 4th

number1av8r writes: It will be my first chair...
Posted: 9:03 am on August 4th

mmwood writes: I would love to try this project. Give me enough time to make it and I will report back.
Posted: 8:52 am on August 4th

trustme1943 writes: I haven't made a chair like this so it would give me more experience. I would like this DVD.
Posted: 8:34 am on August 4th

keithm writes: Now I wonder if I as a blind woodworker could construct that chair?
Posted: 8:17 am on August 4th

professorss writes: The odds are so much better than the lottery. Why not give Welsh chairs a try?
Posted: 7:54 am on August 4th

maisegirl writes: I would love to win this DVD to improve my skills!
Posted: 6:57 am on August 4th

Larrythewoodguy writes: Thanks for the chance to win
Posted: 6:54 am on August 4th

Woodtrader216 writes: Cool! I'm in too!
Posted: 6:22 am on August 4th

KenHANGITALL writes: Chairs the next level of skill to being a true craftsman. Count me in would love to expand my knowledge.
Posted: 6:17 am on August 4th

sadie170 writes: count me in
Posted: 9:30 pm on August 3rd

cahudson42 writes: Another hat in the ring! Thanks..
Posted: 6:07 pm on August 3rd

Ljlc writes: Looks like a great project. Love the hand tool emphasis.
Posted: 4:55 am on August 3rd

Bsmiley writes: Looks like a fantastic project I'd like to tackle.
Posted: 11:13 pm on August 2nd

fabricstitcher writes: this is something I'd like to try - especially since I'm going to thin some trees on the property this year.
Posted: 10:21 pm on August 2nd

bsommers writes: That is a very nice chair. Chair making is something I have yet to try. I would very much like to win the DVD to see what is involved in making such a chair
Posted: 9:11 pm on August 2nd

roydh writes: Nice, it would be fun to learn how to build Welsh style
u see all the american, european and japaneese styles it is good to see more
Posted: 8:13 pm on August 2nd

HandleyPageMonoplane writes: Beautiful! My ancestors would approve too!

Posted: 5:21 pm on August 2nd

dfrangipane writes: Looks great, count me in.
Posted: 4:06 pm on August 2nd

JP4 writes: Count me in!

Posted: 6:59 am on August 2nd

jcwnr writes: My hat is in the ring
Posted: 11:12 pm on August 1st

casaheil writes: Looks like a challenging project. I'm sure using the video would help.
--- Steve
Posted: 9:37 pm on August 1st

TIMOTHYPATRICK writes: give it to me now!it's mine.did i mention please?
Posted: 8:46 pm on August 1st

Paladin2025 writes: Looks like it might be a good view!
Posted: 4:00 pm on August 1st

cwturtle writes: Mine!
Posted: 3:42 pm on August 1st

GregWorks writes: Nice looking chair!
Posted: 11:27 am on August 1st

jmadsen_icbvi writes: Nice!
Posted: 10:05 am on August 1st

Portage1969 writes: One more try.
Posted: 9:09 pm on July 31st

TylerJones writes: word
Posted: 5:16 pm on July 31st

Sheppo26 writes: I'm in
Posted: 1:52 pm on July 31st

bennygred writes:
Posted: 12:40 pm on July 31st

Circuit Rider writes: sign me up
Posted: 12:21 pm on July 31st

wikki writes: I'm ALL in, I've been wanting to build a chair for a while father / son project

Posted: 8:43 am on July 31st

DaveHarrison writes: Looks good - please count me in
Posted: 8:27 am on July 31st

sloanworks writes: If it's not Welsh, it's crap!
Posted: 7:50 am on July 31st

Castlewerks writes: Please.
Posted: 6:19 am on July 31st

gress writes: Bus air conditioner spare parts

Posted: 1:55 am on July 31st

gress writes: Lots of great information about blower and fan this particular topic. which is visit this really beautiful and sometimes helpful information.

Posted: 1:55 am on July 31st

MEL888 writes: Sign me up!

Posted: 9:48 pm on July 30th

GrumpyBadger writes: That's a lovely chair! And a copy of the DVD would be wonderful :0)
Posted: 9:46 pm on July 30th

Noah74 writes: I'd love to make a set for my wife and myself.
Posted: 9:09 pm on July 30th

georgehenri writes: I love the shape of the legs. Just added this chair to my "to do" list.
Posted: 9:08 pm on July 30th

noocher writes: nice chair would like to give it a shot along with help from the dvd!
Posted: 8:49 pm on July 30th

jonquinn writes: This is the next style of chair I want to build. I've made 3 windsors at Mike Dunbar's school, and if I can work it in I'd like to go to Don Weber's school - if not, this ought to be a good substitute.
Posted: 8:30 pm on July 30th

byrdman61 writes: Making a chair would be a first for me. Learning from someone that has 25 years of experience, you cannot go wrong.
Posted: 4:09 pm on July 30th

jxxc writes: What fun and an interesting challenge.
Posted: 4:03 pm on July 30th

accipiter writes: Nice chair. I like the wide splay and the mass of the legs.
Posted: 2:55 pm on July 30th

sinofact writes: Sure, let's give this a try - I'm in!
Posted: 2:38 pm on July 30th

JohnPatrickTobin writes: Sounds like it compliments the John Brown book nicely.
Posted: 2:22 pm on July 30th

Rohcna writes: Always looking for a reason to go into my woodshop.
Posted: 1:10 pm on July 30th

JaredEgg writes: A great looking chair--I've been looking for an excuse to try chair-building--thanks for the chance to win!
Posted: 11:20 am on July 30th

snichols writes: killer chair. i'd love to make it some day
Posted: 11:09 am on July 30th

Peyoman writes: Awesome chair, count me in!
Posted: 10:51 am on July 30th

bobomc writes: Very comfortable looking chair. It would be nice to make a set of those for a breakfast table. Drinking early morning coffee, sitting in a Welsh chair, looking out the bay window and watching deer eat the garden. Cute little vandals.
Posted: 10:39 am on July 30th

MTMan2 writes: Would be a nice project.
Posted: 9:02 am on July 30th

BA3 writes: Looks like a neat project, a way to further stretch capabilities.
Posted: 8:59 am on July 30th

workbench1 writes: I learned how to make a Windsor chair from Mike Dunbar and then also studied with Joe Graham, it would be nice to learn one more type of chair from Hugh Roberts.
Posted: 7:52 am on July 30th

arduk writes: count me in!
Posted: 6:15 am on July 30th

marshville01 writes: Idea to inspire one to try something different.
Posted: 1:26 am on July 30th

lowrider_ray writes: looks great
Posted: 11:18 pm on July 29th

RJamesDesign writes: What is better than books, well of course well made DVD's. I would love this as it is on my list of things to create.
Posted: 8:48 pm on July 29th

bravo4 writes: Looks like a great project!
Posted: 6:06 pm on July 29th

bigjon_175 writes: That's a pretty cool looking chair.
Posted: 5:29 pm on July 29th

bobandsally writes: I would love it. Thx
Posted: 5:06 pm on July 29th

jeffreyi writes: Looks like a very useful DVD.

Posted: 12:43 pm on July 29th

tsangell writes: This is a project on my list. I'd love to have the DVD!
Posted: 12:41 pm on July 29th

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.