Classes are taught in my shop and begin on a sunday.
Windsor chair making classes. Students work with traditional tools will learn to split shave carve drill turn then assemble a classic and comfortable chair that should last a lifetime. The windsor institute was founded by the internationally renowned chair maker mike dunbar and his wife susanna. The class concludes the following saturday for a total of seven days. Cordless drill w 3 8 1 2 5 8 brad point drill bit spokeshave round and flat travisher scorp drawknife 6 degree reemer folding rule japanese style flush cut saw just a cheap one from lowe s large gouge pfiel 3 25 is perfect set of lee valley dowel cutters 1 2 7 16 3 8 froe.
The shop remains open for those wishing to work after 6. Each chair is a little different but generally your week will look like this. The one on one course includes all materials the use of all hand tools required to build a windsor chair as well as a detailed instruction manual on how to make a windsor chair. Class begins each day at 8 am and ends at 6 pm.
Chair making classes will cover all aspects of making the chair including. Class size is limited to eight 8 students and no prior experience is necessary. Day 2 finish spindle carving then begin preparing the seat for carving layout drilling and reaming. The couple retired from teaching april 1 2016.
Day 1 split out the green wood for spindles arms back crest rail and bend the parts requiring it. Tony is a chair maker instructor recognized by windsor chair resources and canadian woodworking. Due to time limitations however hand turned arms legs and stretchers will be provided for your chair. From desks chests bookcases coffee.
Over the course of the week students are guided through the steps of making parts and assembling a chair. Classes will be limited to 4 6 students to ensure that each student receives the personal attention attuned to their abilities and interest. I work with students as a personal tutor my classes offer hands on instruction combining essentials of 18th and 19th century techniques used to build windsor chairs. While everything we make is built to order and we are well known for our beautiful windsor chairs beds tables and our line of shaker furniture we are equally proud of the furniture that we can custom design and build for you.
We will make a scale drawing based on your ideas for a piece to fit your home. Splitting handling and storing green wood. Mike is focusing on writing books both fiction and woodworking. Day 3 carve the seat and start on arms bows crests.
It was the only school in the world dedicated to teaching windsor chairmaking. Shaving and shaping parts. Traditional green woodworking techniques are used as students build a bench made windsor chair. Class information day 1 split out the green wood for spindles arms back crest rail and bend the parts requiring it.