Building a Rustic Armchair
Course Description
In this one-day workshop, participants learn the basic techniques to build an armchair in the bent-willow style. Each student will build an armchair to take home at the end of the day.
The workshop begins with a short introductory talk about the instructor’s experience with rustic furniture building. We will discuss safety and the proper use of tools, collection of raw materials and finishing techniques.
Students will construct an armchair from materials and fasteners supplied by Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft. The wood will already be trimmed and pre-worked to the required suppleness, with the exception of a few pieces with which students will practice wood preparation techniques.
Students will build the chair frame in the morning; in the afternoon, students will wrap the chair frame with long slim branches to form the arms and back hoop, then add the seat and back bars.
If students are experienced in the use of a drill and hammer they can expect to finish their chair before the end of the day. Novice builders can expect their chair to be at least 75% complete by the end of the workshop, and they will have the skills, confidence and materials with which to complete their chair in a few hours at home.
Students are welcome to bring a friend to assist them in the afternoon, when a second pair of hands can make the work easier and quicker.
The workshop fee includes all materials. No previous woodworking experience is required. Students must assemble tool kit per attached Tool list. Participants must be in good health and able to perform moderate manual labor.
This workshop is a rigorous but rewarding eight hours. From past experience, we can promise students that they will go home tired but happy with their new skills and chair.
Tool List
Hammer and Nail Punch
Should be a medium weight hammer. We will be driving 1” to 2” finish nails. A tack hammer is too small but neither do you want a huge framing hammer. Medium nail punch.
Clippers
One pair of pruning clippers.
Tape Measure
Minimum 10 feet long. ¾” wide is fine but 1” wide is ideal.
Razor knife
Should be a heavy-duty, metal-bodied knife with a new blade. A drywall knife is perfect. No plastic handles please.
Drill, bits, extension chord
You will need lightweight, variable speed reversible drill with 3/8” chuck capacity. Students will be drilling with one hand so they need to be comfortable with the weight of the drill. Battery drills are not strong enough unless at they have at least 9 volt with extra battery and a charger in good condition. I will rent each of my three drills on a first come basis for a $10.00 charge. Please arrange for this ahead of time! Drilling Bits: bring four @ 5/64”, two @ 3/32”, two @ 1/8”. Driver bits: IN CANADA bring one #2 Robertson driver bit. IN THE USA: bring one #2 PHILLIPS driver bit. Bring an extension cord at least six meters (15 feet) long.
Optional
Quick-Grip mini-bar clamp, 6” – 7” opening, strongly recommended. If wrist strength is an issue, this makes the work much easier. Students are welcome to invite a friend to help them for the last 4 hours of the day and many students who are unfamiliar with power tools find that the job of wrapping the benders around the frame is greatly eased with an extra set of hands or a Quick-Grip clamp.
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Rustic Armchair
Building a Rustic Armchair - July 23, 2011
In this one-day workshop, participants learn the basic techniques to build an armchair in the bent-willow style. Each student will build an armchair to take home at the end of the day.
The workshop will be held at the artist’s home studio near Lanark, Ontario.
More Details
The workshop begins with a short introductory talk about the instructor’s experience with rustic furniture building. We will discuss safety and the proper use of tools, the collection of raw materials and finishing techniques.
Students will construct an armchair from materials and fasteners supplied by Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft. The wood will already be trimmed and pre-worked to the required suppleness, with the exception of a few pieces with which students will practice wood preparation techniques.
Students will build the chair frame in the morning; in the afternoon, students will wrap the chair frame with long slim branches to form the arms and back hoop, then add the seat and back bars.
If students are experienced in the use of a drill and hammer they can expect to finish their chair before the end of the day. Novice builders can expect their chair to be at least 75% complete by the end of the workshop, and they will have the skills, confidence and materials with which to complete their chair in a few hours at home.
Students are welcome to bring a friend to assist them in the afternoon, when a second pair of hands can make the work easier and quicker.
The workshop fee includes all materials, HST, and lunch. Previous woodworking or crafting experience is recommended. Students must assemble tool kit per Tool list provided at registration. Participants must be in good health and able to perform moderate manual labor.
This workshop is a rigorous but rewarding eight hours. From past experience, we can promise students that they will go home tired but happy with their new skills and chair.
