Thread: A Double Bow Windsor Chair

Originally Posted by Phil Spencer

Suppose you have some wood for the BBQ now

Bags sitting on the chair.

I can't see the pics so it didn't happen

For what it's worth: I do so love your threads WW...the history, the examples, the processes and progress, and the outstanding quality of your work. It's always a joy to learn so much about the furniture and techniques of yore.

The ash arm- and back spindles were tapered and individually fitted to the seat and arm bow.


Fig. 1. Shaved and scraped arm spindles.

With the arm spindles inserted into the seat and arm bow, I was able to take measurements off the arm to create the back bow. I cut a former for the back bow out of some more of the 15mm plywood and bent the bow which, being only 1" (25mm) square curved around without a hitch. Virginia tends to believe it was her involvement that subdued this ash stick into submission on the first attempt and I'm not inclined to argue with her… ever.

The back spindles were inserted through the arm and into the seat and measured off against the back bow.


Fig. 2. The back spindles and splat marked in readiness for trimming to length.

The arm posts and arm bow were drilled to accept a couple of No.16 x 1-1/2" slotted steel screws.


Fig. 3. Arm post screwed to arm.

With the back spindles and back bow trimmed to size, I glued the bow's tennons into the arm, securing them from beneath with a couple of wedges.


Fig. 4. The double bow Windsor in-the-white.


Fig. 5. Quarter view…


Fig. 6. … and side view.

Very crisp, and a touch regal looking too. It is nice to see a Windsor chair without drunkenly splayed legs and new-world enthusiasm.

An incredible piece of work WW, Just showed Mrs Phil and she was blown away, I am starting to worry she thinks you are amazing!

How come I can't see the most recent photos? I can see them on your blog and they are stunning.

It's great to see you overcame your challenges to produce this very elegant chair

You continue to amaze me WW. What a great looking chair!!

The piece conveys both strength and elegance.

Just a quetion. Some years ago, when I was a callow youth, I was admiring the Aus. Red Cedar Trimmings on a NSW train.
The conductor noted my interest and asked me if I noticed anything about the screws. When I had to admit that I didn't he
pointed out how all the slots of the heads ran in the same direction as the timber grain. He further stated tha all good crafts men did this.

I noted the screw photo in your post and it brought that comment to mind. What are your thoughts regarding his assertion?

Originally Posted by artme

You continue to amaze me WW. What a great looking chair!!

The piece conveys both strength and elegance.

Just a quetion. Some years ago, when I was a callow youth, I was admiring the Aus. Red Cedar Trimmings on a NSW train.
The conductor noted my interest and asked me if I noticed anything about the screws. When I had to admit that I didn't he
pointed out how all the slots of the heads ran in the same direction as the timber grain. He further stated tha all good crafts men did this.

I noted the screw photo in your post and it brought that comment to mind. What are your thoghts regarding his assertion?

Conductors should stick to what they know (what do they know?). He was utterly misguided and incorrect; any self-respecting traditional craftsman will only turn a screw until it's tight. Only anal Victorians/self-obsessed, over-exposed web warriors have bothered with the insidious practice of aligning screw slots.

Funnily enough though, those who extoll aligning screw slots don't appear to apply what they preach to all screw types: I have seen work by a couple of the web's more notorious aligned-slot-offenders where their cross-head and square socket-head screw heads appeared to be aligned with virtually every star in the constellation! But a true cabinetmaker wouldn't use anything but slotted (steel) screws anyway.




Oops! I nearly forgot...

Run out of superlatives so I'll just sit down.
Cheers,
Jim

Let me guess what the little dogs are doing to add instant patina to the chair legs this time.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

Let me guess what the little dogs are doing ...............

Waiting patiently by their master for his next command.


I like my version better.

Thank you WW!! Much the answer I expected!