Thread: Rocker WIP

It only broke because I had a temporary loss of concentration and had my chisel at the wrong angle when I belted it with the mallet. Bloody Jarrah. Just had to smile and throw it in the firewood pile.

Hope my luck goes a bit better than yours. A couple of places on my chair where damage could be done.

Finally got back into it this week after a lot of other distractions. Trying to get the bathroom reno'd and the back yard done before Bub comes along, as well as finishing my Dads house. Tiler is in now so good excuse to get out to the shed.

Lowered the crest to its final level, feels and looks a bit better now. I tennoned the splat straight into the crest which meant that I only needed to get the angles right on the rails which was a lot easier than last time.

Also made a start with the arm rests. Morticing them into the rails was a pita and a steap learning curve. The next time I make this chair, these will be done before I round over the rails etc which will make it much easier. Still, this is only the prototype so can't expect perfection. Will be making the Arm rest support bits today (do these have a name?) and then it will be into the finishing phase. The end is in sight!

Pictures showing the development of the arm rests, and first fittment into the rails.

Originally Posted by yowie

Finally got back into it this week after a lot of other distractions. Trying to get the bathroom reno'd and the back yard done before Bub comes along, as well as finishing my Dads house. Tiler is in now so good excuse to get out to the shed.

Lowered the crest to its final level, feels and looks a bit better now. I tennoned the splat straight into the crest which meant that I only needed to get the angles right on the rails which was a lot easier than last time.

Also made a start with the arm rests. Morticing them into the rails was a pita and a steap learning curve. The next time I make this chair, these will be done before I round over the rails etc which will make it much easier. Still, this is only the prototype so can't expect perfection. Will be making the Arm rest support bits today (do these have a name?) and then it will be into the finishing phase. The end is in sight!

Pictures showing the development of the arm rests, and first fittment into the rails.

Have you tried sitting on it yet? is it comfortable? It seems to lean forward a little bit, but that may be a good thing in a rocker... if you shifted the bottom support for the chair-back a little forward, that might improve the chairs balance when empty (but send you falling over backwards when you use it. )

Yeah, I have spent a fair bit of time sitting in it and it is quite comfortable. I think version two will lean back a little further though as it isn't quite perfect. Not bad for a first guess though...

Well it took a year to do it but I have finally finished my first rocker. It was certainly a learning experience for me as it was way out of my skill range. There are definately a few mistakes, besides from it being a little too upright. A few chipped mortice shoulders and stuff but if you don't look too closely it looks pretty good. It is actually very comfortable so the next model will basically be the same proportions, just a tighter curve in the front, a greater angle for the back, and probably slightly more curved rockers. I'll give this one to my Sister as a house warming I think.

Thank you for the update. What did you end up finishing it with.

A dam good show, we'll done. You did the right things in your learning and now can put the lessons to good use with your next attempt. I will look forward to see your next results.


SB

I ended up using a few coates of minmax poly satin. Very easy to use with no mess and no clean up. Was the first time I had used it but went back to Bunnys and bought another four cans. Hopefully should last me a while... Only used half a can on the rocker.

I am building my own rocker - not as involved as yours but what is the radius you use for your rockers. I have build some test rockers with a 32 and 34" radius and while that are okay (the 34" ) I would like to know what you (or Sam Maloof) (or anyone else) use.

Off the top of my head, I really couldn't tell you what radius they are as I made it up as I went. I know there were some free rocker plans floating around somewhere that would have them on it. Try a forum search?

Sorry Yowie but I somehow missed this!!

You have done a remarkable job, congratulations!!bravabrava

I believe the Maloof style chairs use a radius of 42" for the rockers. Will check and come back if my memory has failed me.