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The Three Stooges

October 8, 2014 By Richard Maguire 11 Comments

not bad for a sit downI love a good chair. You really can’t over estimate the need for your own little resting spot; a place to take the weight off, enjoy a good meal, or even detach you from a drab space while you become engrossed in something much more interesting.
A chair should be sturdy and dependable but by no means needs to be complicated.

For me, the simpler the better, and my favourite spot in the workshop is actually my stump, followed closely by a chest.

Building chairs can be very specialist, and whilst most of us would be more than capable of the challenge it can take a great deal of thought, new tools and new skills.

I’ve become intrigued for quite some time with more simple and unusually weird chairs, and have been experimenting, beginning with the three shown here.

There’s a large lack of sophistication or elegance, but I see a charm to each, and a comfort in knowing that all of the work will be familiar, needing only a handful of trusty old tools and working for the most part with square material.
Whether or not the comfort will continue through to the sitting experience is yet to be seen, but I will build a load, then give you the verdict.3 chairs

Moravian Back Stool   |  Sligo Chair  |  Settle Derived Arm Chair

I’ll provide some more details about the chairs on the blog, but in the meantime I have one on the go at the moment and you can take a look over on our Facebook page – just scroll down to a few posts back.

Update: See this post for updates of the Settle Chair build.

Watch the Chair Building Video –

Our new online series is an introduction to Chair Making.
We’re designing & building a chair using basic hand tools and methods. Learn more here. 

Filed Under: Designing Furniture

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About Richard Maguire

As a professional hand tool woodworker, Richard found hand tools to be the far more efficient solution for a one man workshop.
Richard runs 'The English Woodworker' as an online resource and video education for those looking for a fuss free approach to building fine furniture by hand.
Learn More About Richard & The English Woodworker.

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Comments

  1. Nathan Wolfenbarger says

    October 8, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    Looking forward to the continuation of this, Richard.

    The Back Stool has always been one of my favourite styles of chair.

    Glad you and Helen are doing well, and feeling better. Hope things are going well on the farm.

    -Nathan W

    ps: nice teapot!

    Reply
    • Richard says

      October 8, 2014 at 6:45 pm

      Thanks Nathan, out of all of them the back stool is the one I have the most experience with. It’s one of those designs that just begs to be riven but I’m looking forward to experimenting with some sawn material which should make it more accessible to the average workshop. I’d have to agree, if I had to pick one this would definitely be my favourite.

      Reply
  2. bob says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    im so happy to seee you back, i wondered what happened, but im glad your here, and hope you get a good chair …the stump really is quite natural and after some sitting will develope the curve of your arss, welcome back.

    Reply
    • Richard says

      October 8, 2014 at 6:46 pm

      Thanks for the support Bob, with what I weigh it shouldn’t take too long for that arse shape to form.

      Reply
  3. Ken says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    Yes proper chairs, Settle Derived Arm Chair is the one I would like to make.

    Thanks Richard 😉

    Reply
    • Richard says

      October 8, 2014 at 6:51 pm

      Cheers Ken, the arm chair’s an interesting one, I like that it’s familiar but with just enough weirdoness to make it quirky. It’s a nice simple build as well.

      Reply
  4. Dan Noall says

    October 8, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    I am soooo looking forward to this!

    Reply
  5. William Fariss says

    October 8, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    Glad your back, missed you, BTW, the chest looks interesting. Any thoughts on doing a video series and drawings on that?

    Reply
    • Richard says

      October 9, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Hi William, it’s a very simple little chest so I don’t see why not. The thing’s been dragged around everywhere with me and still holding up well.

      Reply
  6. tommy says

    October 8, 2014 at 11:45 pm

    As always. Straight Ahead. Love it.

    Reply
  7. Tommy says

    October 29, 2014 at 2:40 am

    I like this man he is different.

    Reply

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