this is an Introductory Class



The arm chair is a direct descendant of the post & rung side chair with the addition of beautifully hand shaped arms and larger dimensions. And it uses the same bending forms and many of the same drilling jigs as the post & rung side chair

This seven day class will take you, step-by-step, through the process of hand crafting a Brian Boggs Berea Arm Chair. Because class size is limited to three students, you get personalized instruction and can work at your own pace. Every process is broken down into small, manageable steps so that you can concentrate on mastering one task at a time before moving onto the next. Whenever a new process is introduced, especially for hand shaping, you are given the opportunity to practice on spare material before working on your actual chair part. In addition to showing you how, I always explain why, so that you will understand underlying concepts and how each step fits into the big picture.

 

Learn how to

  • Select lumber and mill parts for chairmaking

  • Steam bend the rear legs and slats

  • Hand shape curved and straight parts using a drawknife, spokeshave and scraper

  • Prep and turn the front legs

  • Shape and install the arms

  • Work with angles and curved parts

  • Use moisture content and grain orientation to make a long-lasting joint

  • Assemble using hide glue

  • Sharpen chairmaking tools

  • Weave a seat

 

Fully illustrated manual

The class includes a fully illustrated manual that documents the process for building your chair from beginning to end. It serves as a step-by-step reminder of the steps taught in class. Because the manual is so complete it minimizes or eliminates the need for you to take notes. This allows you to spend all your class time learning new techniques and working on your chair.

 

Jigs

Part of the challenge of building a chair in your home shop is making the bending forms and jigs. The manual that is included in the class fee has drawings and dimensions for the every form and jig. For an additional fee there is a Template Set with masters you can use to template rout your own bending forms and slat mortising jig. And there is also a Jig & Form Set with complete bending forms, drying forms, slat mortising jig, slat fitting jigs and drilling jigs.

 

Support

Although the manual should provide you with all the information you need to make this chair in your own shop I am also available, via e-mail, to answer questions as they come up.

 

Located in NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT

All classes take place in my shop in an 1870's barn in the historic Pine Meadow section of New Hartford, Connecticut a small town located in the foothills of the Berkshires about 120 miles from both New York and Boston.

 

Register

  • To ask questions or register for a class call 203-837-6369 or click here to contact me via e-mail

  • 2024 Class Schedule

  • Class fee: $1,650. Includes 7 days of instruction, chair and seat materials, and fully illustrated manual.

  • Materials: Ash, maple, cherry, or walnut available for an additional fee.

  • Class size: Maximum of 3 students

  • Prerequisite: None

  • Deposit: A $600 deposit is required to reserve a class spot