Replies

1. 
   GJMID2 | May 14, 2003 10:39pm | #1

   I have used this method a number of times.   I built a jig by starting with a9" disc of wood fastened to a 9" face plate.  Find the center of the disc when mounted on lathe.   Band saw your back chair leg to the size and shape you have decided on.  Center the top of leg (the straighter portion) in tail stock and determine where the curved part will need to be placed on the 9" disc so that the straight part of leg will be parallel to lathe bed.   The curve of your leg will be limited to 4.5" with this set up.  When the position is determined, build a support system with sides (the broom appearance) on either side of leg.  Sandwich a support between the 2 sides that will exactly match the curve of your leg.   Turn by hand to verify that your main straight section will rotate exactly parallel to lathe bed.  Turn the straight section with all of wanted detail in usual manner.  The remaining curved section (lower portion of leg) can then be shapped using draw knives etc to get final shape.   Set up time is the big thing & all goes well if your jig is positioned and made accurately.   E-mail me if you have any questions.  ([email protected]) I still  have one set of chairs that I made this way if you would like to see a picture.   I no longer have the jig.      Geo M  

2. 
   Froed | May 15, 2003 07:43pm | #2

   I think I'd go with turning & then bending.  The spinning plywood "broom" concept just doesn't appeal to me.  One of my kids would probably walk into the shop as I was turning the finial on the other end  (the motor end of my lathe is right next to the door).  Besides, I already have a steam box, so I'd go ahead and use it.

   But if you don't have a steam box, only a small part of the posts need to be bent, so you could use a short section of pvc as sort of a "steam collar" rather than steaming the whole thing.  You won't need nearly as much steam, and most of the post will be cool enough to handle.

   From Conover Workshops' description, they turn the posts, then bend them: http://www.conoverworkshops.com/ww/course.shtml?84

   I'd be interested to hear what you decide, and how it goes.

   Froed

1. 
   ron61 | May 16, 2003 12:35am | #3

   Froed

   That's weird posting the web site -that's the same chair I'm making and I have one of his books on turning I use all the time.

   The only thing I think I want to do different is to make slats for the back

   That's the only way to go I think turn then steam. Doesn't sound that they leave it in the form very long.

   The reason I am using the Red Oak it was gave to me and was thick enough to do the chair, most were made from maple. I'm thinking about using maple for the rockers " I think they would hold up better" and arms " just for looks"

   What do you think?

1. 
   Froed | May 16, 2003 07:54pm | #4

   Beans,

   That sounds like a good enough reason to me.  I think the red oak would look good, and it'll be just different enough to stand out from a maple rocker.

   If I remember correctly, the oak is a bit stronger than maple, so I wouldn't worry about the strength of the rockers.  Use what you want and have fun with it.