Thread: Making an English Comb-back Windsor Chair

Thanks to all for the kind words.

Originally Posted by derekcohen

What were the details of the finishing procedure? Staining mix and method please. Then oil and wax? Number of coats?

I keep a selection of oil and water stains in primary colours and mix them according to the job at hand. For this chair, I mixed a cool orange if that makes sense; it possesses chameleon properties, appearing red in some light and a cool mid-brown in other situations - just like the red colouring of a Jack Russell or Fox Terrier. I dispose of any left-over stain because I wouldn't want an exact duplication at any point.

The oil is applied in the time-honoured fashion, with copious amounts of elbow grease. A few coats incorporated some pigment to add depth. I wasn't counting the number of coats; I stopped when it looked 'right'.

I make up my own wax, but any commercial paste wax would do amply.

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Are you planning to distress it at all?

Actually, the chair has been aged, but subtly. There are a myriad of light knocks and abrasions which mustn't be obvious in the images. The whole colour and finish is that of a well cared for chair dating from around 1780. Had I gone for a darker colour, then I would have distressed the chair more ("YOU 'ORRIBLE LITTLE SPECIMEN! YOUR MOTHER WAS A PICKET FENCE AND YOUR FATHER WAS A CORD OF FIREWOOD! YOU LOOK MORE LIKE A STACK OF SPLINTERED PALLETS THAN ANYTHING ANYONE WOULD WANT TO SIT ON!" – that sort of thing) and vice versa; if I wanted it looking more distressed, then the colour would have automatically deepened.

Originally Posted by mic-d

Fantastic! perhaps a photo of The Master in his chair? (purely for scale purposes!)

Cheers
Michael

Was it you who tried this tactic recently in another thread? The result would be the same!

Originally Posted by Blue-deviled

All over bar the sitting - I trust that is up to scratch? It certainly looks comfortable. Regarding the finish: Fox terrier russet, linseed (boiled?), hot wax and buff, Master Woodwould?

Yes, boiled oil.

Thank you Mr Woodwould! I have thoroughly enjoyed this class. clap:



Dare I ask.. Please Sir, can we have some more

Must have dozed off not really checked back regularly WW it a nice piece once again I'll thank you again for an informative WIP.

Now the Lemon tree what type is it and what do you do with them, ie Lemon Butter, Lemon Tarts, Lemon Cheese Cake. Maybe we should have been having hot lemon drinks while sitting round in this cold.

Originally Posted by RufflyRustic

Please Sir, can we have some more

Certainly, I've got a few wee jobs to do, but after that, I'll start something else... probably something small that I can do entirely in the shed while it's a bit wintery outdoors.

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Now the Lemon tree what type is it and what do you do with them, ie Lemon Butter, Lemon Tarts, Lemon Cheese Cake. Maybe we should have been having hot lemon drinks while sitting round in this cold.

It's one of two Eureka lemon trees. Not one for hiding my light under a bushel; I make the World's best lemon curd and lemonade. I also have a lime tree which provides excellent juicy fruit that finds its way into more curd and the occasional G & T.

There's this funny looking old chair getting in the way of a good look at the lemon tree!!

Originally Posted by Woodwould

Was it you who tried this tactic recently in another thread? The result would be the same!

I have some rare poseable cardboard cutouts of Sheraton if that helps.

Originally Posted by Blue-deviled

I have some rare poseable cardboard cutouts of Sheraton if that helps.

Have you got one of his Fox Terrier? I think it may be more appropriate.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

Was it you who tried this tactic recently in another thread? The result would be the same!

Me Sir? No Sir ... Least I don't think so. Did I do that?
Cheers
Michael

Originally Posted by artme

There's this funny looking old chair getting in the way of a good look at the lemon tree!!

Precisely! It's a damned fine lemon tree and shouldn't be overlooked. I'm very proud of that tree - you may have noticed it's had a cameo roll in most of my pictures.

Originally Posted by mic-d

Me Sir? No Sir ... Least I don't think so. Did I do that?
Cheers
Michael

Maybe it was another inquisitive member. The only photos taken of me are at night wih the lights off - for everyone's sake!

Lemon Curd now to be honest I haven't heard it called that for a while
and as I believe its the same as Lemon butter I might have to contest that being Sue makes ours.

G&T now I know your getting old.

Further use of said lemons would be lemon oil for a finish