This January I’m teaching a new two-day class at Highland Woodworking in Atlanta on building sawbenches using Windsor-chair techniques. The class will run Jan. 17-18, 2015; registration is open and through the Highland Woodworking site here.
I’m excited to teach this class because it will be the first time I’ve ventured into teaching Windsor techniques. I’ve built Windsor- and Welsh-style chairs for more than 10 years (not to mention Roorkee chairs), but this is my first toe into the water on teaching Windsor technology.
These sawbenches are excellent workhorses. John Hoffman, my partner at Lost Art Press, built the pair shown above about four years ago. They can take a heap of abuse and occupy little space in the shop. Plus, they look awesome.
During the class, we’ll learn about prepping stock by hand, making octagonal legs, creating tapered tenons and mortises, and lots about wood technology. And you’ll walk away with two (yes, two) great sawbenches.
— Christopher Schwarz
P.S. If you haven’t been to Highland Woodworking, you are missing out. If every city had a Highland Woodworking, the world would be a better place. Check out the blog entry from my last visit here.
I’m close and won’t miss it, if I can help it. Do you know when registration open?
I do not. But check with Ed Scent at Highland: escent@highlandwoodworking.com
It’s open. And I’m in.
I’ve always loved the look of these two. I would almost burn my current set for a pair.
Chris is the build similar to your Moravian stools?
Nope. The Moravian stool uses a sliding dovetail so you can use thinner material. Also, the Moravian stool does not use tapered tenons.
Jennie here
Chris
Could you give us some details about the joint, both mortise and tenon
Jennie Alexander
Jennie,
I make a tapered tenon, usually using a tapered tenon cutter that has a 12° included angle (or 6° off the vertical). The tenon has a shoulder at the point where the leg changes shape from octagonal to round.
Then I drill a 5/8″ hole for the mortise and ream that out with a matching reamer. Then I paint everything with hide glue, drive in the tenon and wedge it from the top.
There are lots of little details about which way the annular rings of the tenon go etc. that are too much to write in a comment….
Hello,
I may be imagining things but had you previously said you were doing a Dutch tool chest at Highland? Or am I getting years mixed up?
Hi Chris,
Would this be an appropriate class for a beginner?
Best Regards,
-Marc
>
Marc,
Absolutely. Dead-nuts beginners are always welcome.
Do those benches use tapered tenons or straight?
The tenons are tapered and conical, as are the mortises in the tops.
Do you know how much the course will run Chris?
Hey Charlie,
Don’t know what they will charge. Send Ed Scent an e-mail at Highland. He would have a better idea.
escent@highlandwoodworking.com
Will do Chris. Thanks!
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodworking-class-chris-schwarz.aspx
Those are just to cool looking. Don’t think I have ever seen any like those before.
The class is about 2,100 km to far. Back to the books then.
Chris,
I’ve never made tapered mortises and tenons, but am considering using them for a batch of one-legged stools I’m building. My question is this: doesn’t the shoulder defeat the purpose of the taper by preventing the tenon from pressing up into the tapered mortise? Couldn’t you omit the shoulder?
Yes no shoulder if you use a tapered tenon and mortise. The conical shape stops the leg from going in too far and every time you place weight on it you are tightening the joint.
JH
Sign up for this class is now open! You can find out more about the class and sign-up here: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodworking-class-chris-schwarz.aspx
These are an inspiring design…