Thread: WIP - Maloof inspired rocker

I glued up the adder blocks for the rear legs last night and this morning. They're just a small block that makes the seat joint area thicker therefore making a stronger joint. It looks a bit strange now but it will be sculpted and blended in later.

I spent way too long selecting the right adder blocks as I wanted the grain to match and look seamless.
I glued them a little proud of the surface and squared it up with my number 5

IMG_2850.jpg

These blocks get a 6 degree bevel cut on them so they splay out. I made a 6 degree jig for my table saw and cut one of the tapers.


IMG_2853.jpg

If I get time tomorrow I'll select the timber for the arms and rough cut them out on the bandsaw.

Besides the back slats and the arms there isn't much more I can do until the router bits arrive.

I used the Maloof finish then applied a natural wax. I found that the slats and arms took quite a while to do. They have to be matching so I was going too and fro making small changes to get them the same. A lot of rasp work.

I've decided on these wheels - Holey Galahad - Round Fine Green [47853 RFG] — Carving Tools Australia

I've done quite a bit of research and they get great reviews. I like the fact you can see where you're grinding.

Now the question is- how important do you think having a good quality angle grinder is? I have a cheap ozito grinder that I use to cut metal etc. I use it for for very rough jobs and don't think it will be suitable due to vibration etc.

Does anyone recommend a good quality angle grinder with low vibration?

Thank you

Originally Posted by groeneaj

I glued up the adder blocks for the rear legs last night and this morning. They're just a small block that makes the seat joint area thicker therefore making a stronger joint. It looks a bit strange now but it will be sculpted and blended in later.

.

Are the adder blocks internal to the joint ie. facing the seat, or external and outside the joint?

Cheers - Peter

Hi Andy,

I've got a Bosch PWS1000 which I rarely use. You're welcome to borrow it for your build. I could bring it up tomorrow.

Cheers,

ajw

Originally Posted by Lappa

Are the adder blocks internal to the joint ie. facing the seat, or external and outside the joint?

Cheers - Peter

Hi Peter,

The adder blocks face inside the chair. I took a couple of photos which should make it clear.

IMG_2875.jpg

I ended up ordering the Holey Galahad fine wheel so hopefully I receive it this week so I can start practicing.

The only progress I've made is I've sanded some of the back slats in preparation for tracing the second template.

Once these router bits arrive I'll be able to make significant progress as these bits are holding up the build.

I'm also looking for some input for a secondary wood. The rockers are made from multiple (I think 6) thin pieces that is glued to a form to create the shape. They are often made with a contrasting wood eg maple but I'm thinking of using Jarrah.

I know both are dark tones but wondering what your thoughts are?

I'll be using the same wood for the screw hole plugs also.

Cheers

Hi groeneaj, I think those wheels are a great choice, unfortunately I saw them after I purchased the solid ones. You won't need much practice to get a good result with them. I made the low back dining chair from the Brock plans and the seat was a breeze with the wheel on the angle grinder. They are not as aggressive as they appear in hand and a light touch actually produces a very acceptable finish for the next stage. Have you thought of silver ash for the rockers, I think it would be a great choice for contrast against the Walnut.

I wish you well in your project and congratulations to you both for your first child. Hope you make it before the baby, there are a lot of sanding hours to go yet.

Cheers, Ian

Originally Posted by Nanigai

Hi groeneaj, I think those wheels are a great choice, unfortunately I saw them after I purchased the solid ones. You won't need much practice to get a good result with them. I made the low back dining chair from the Brock plans and the seat was a breeze with the wheel on the angle grinder. They are not as aggressive as they appear in hand and a light touch actually produces a very acceptable finish for the next stage. Have you thought of silver ash for the rockers, I think it would be a great choice for contrast against the Walnut.

I wish you well in your project and congratulations to you both for your first child. Hope you make it before the baby, there are a lot of sanding hours to go yet.

Cheers, Ian

Hi Ian,

I've considered a lighter coloured timber such as maple but not silver ash. I like the idea as it's an Australian hardwood. My other option is Huon pine which I really like working with.

I'd love to see a pic of the low back dining chair. It's another chair that I'd like to build in the future.

Cheers,

Andy

Originally Posted by groeneaj

Hi Ian,

I've considered a lighter coloured timber such as maple but not silver ash. I like the idea as it's an Australian hardwood. My other option is Huon pine which I really like working with.

I'd love to see a pic of the low back dining chair. It's another chair that I'd like to build in the future.

Cheers,

Andy

I like both huon pine & silver ash, but for this I'd go with the silver ash. I have a box with SA trim on the walnut lid, and they go really well together.

OK here you go Andy, not a finished photo but one just after glue up and not a real good photo at that.
It's mango and ebony for the plugs. It was my first chair build so a huge learning curve for me but a most enjoyable one.

Cheers, Ian

LowBackChair.jpg

Originally Posted by Nanigai

OK here you go Andy, not a finished photo but one just after glue up and not a real good photo at that.
It's mango and ebony for the plugs. It was my first chair build so a huge learning curve for me but a most enjoyable one.

Cheers, Ian

LowBackChair.jpg

Looks really good Ian. What finish did you use?

Wow how inspiring.

I used the Maloof formula Andy, I still use it on a lot of my projects.
If you are not aware of it its one third each of BLO, Tung oil and polyurethane. For the final coats it has some wax added also.
Cheers,
Ian