We have two new titles for sale today: “The Belligerent Finisher” by John Porritt and The Stick Chair Journal No. 1 . Both are available for immediate shipment.
“The Belligerent Finisher” is a hands-on, no-secrets finishing book that details how John Porritt adds years of age and patina to a piece. John is a life-long furniture restorer and chairmaker in Upstate New York. In his book he shows the simple processes and common chemicals he uses to make beautiful, tactile surfaces.
In my 24 years of working with woodworking authors, I have never met anyone as generous as John is with finishing information. Most professional finishers and restorers keep their techniques to themselves.
We are thrilled to offer this book – our first title devoted to finishing.
The Stick Chair Journal No. 1 is a personal project. After 10 years of being out of the magazine business, I realized that I missed it. The Journal is the publication that I wished existed when I first became interested in chairmaking. It’s about techniques, tools and what we call “big thoughts” related to chairmaking. And there is a complete plan for a chair that you can build and even sell if you like.
Plus no ads. No “advertorials.” No sponsored “stories” masquerading as editorial.
Even the way we print the Journal is unlike any magazine I know of. Many magazines are bound by staples, called “saddle stitching”. Others are sheets of paper that are glued at the spine, called “perfect binding.” Both methods make an object that I consider temporary.
We print the Journal in signatures. Then sew and glue them together – just like our books.
The Journal is an annual publication – I’m already deep into working on issue No. 2.
Another difference: When you buy the printed Journal, you also get the pdf for free. Plus a download of the full-size patterns for the chair featured in that issue.
One last detail: We have printed 4,000 and will not reprint the issue. Once the printed copies are gone, they are gone for good. We are making this available to all our retailers worldwide. But it is up to them as to whether they carry it.
Diving back into the world of periodicals might be a financial mistake – but it makes me endlessly happy. So let’s see what happens.
— Christopher Schwarz
Will these be available in Canada through Lee Valley?
I hope so. It is their call, of course.
Hi Chris , Congratulations on the publication of the Stick Chair journal . Both the Stick Chair book and accompanying video have been game changers for me , so I am looking forward to this journal . Is there any way for International buyers ( yes , another Canada question ) to acquire the PDF version and more importantly the electronic pattern downloads assuming we buy the hard copy from our local Supplier ( Lee Valley for Canucks ) ? Thanks again
I ordered mine the minute I received the email! I can’t wait but will have to for a bit. I am in Canada and I had it shipped to a relative in MN. Should have it by Christmas!
I am excited about this. I am in the middle of making my first chair and could use the extra info.
Is the journal a recurring periodical or will that be determined by sales of the first issue?
It’s an annual at this point.
This is exciting. I am in the middle of making my first stick chair (I need that patch!) and can always use more advise!
Will this be a recurring journal or will that decision be made after you look at sales for issue 1?
Don’t beat yourself up. Others are willing, I’m sure.
It’s not a magazine. Periodical? Technically, since it will be yearly. Journal? I’m unsure.
It’s a book, with new volumes coming out now and then. Gibbon’s History ran to 6 volumes, and wasn’t a periodical, or a journal.
It’s a book, and glancing at it just now, it’s a nice one.
If you don’t want to be associated with Edward, or even Grinling, you can be just a regular gibbon. Yes. And speaking of which, why are all the other species considered Great Apes, and gibbons are the only Lesser Apes? What Linnaean for had a bad day, and took it out on the gibbons?
What about Euell? Can’t forget him.
Looking forward to reading the Stair Chair Journal and absolutely loved the Stair Chair video. It filled me with confidence and hope that I’ll someday have one by my own hand.
Thanks! If I can build a decent chair, anyone can.
I notice you upped the printing from 3000 to 4000 copies. I have no idea of your sales numbers, of course, but I hope that will make 1000 more people happy. And make you 1000 copies happier.
That was a gamble. Hoping I didn’t buy a pallet of toilet paper for the next pandemic….
They might be worth even more if that happens.
Do you mind if I ask dimensions?
Both books are the same trim size as “Welsh Stick Chairs”: 7-1/4″ x 9-5/8″.