Thread: Maloof chair

Hello everyone:
After much procrastination over several years, I am starting to make a prototype of a Maloof style rocking chair, guided by a set of American plans I purchased ages ago from the Australian Woodworker magazine. I plan to do this before I shell out for expensive Blackwood or Walnut. These plans specify using 'Whiteside' bits with a 5 degree positive and negative taper to cut the joints for the front and back legs. I have checked several U.S. websites and none of them ship to Australia, and by the look of Whiteside's own catalogue, they don't make them any more. Woodcraft might, but they want my credit card details prior to quoting a shipping price. I'm not keen on that. There is a U.K. company that can ship the bits to me, but in any case I'm looking at about $260 to have them shipped here. Yes, I could cut the joints by hand, but I'd rather use the bits for a tight and clean fit.

My question.....does anybody know of an Australian company which might sell or import them? BTW, I've checked Carbatec, Timbecon and Carbi-tool without success.

I have attached photos of the bits in question, taken from the U.K. website. If any other photos appear, please ignore them.

As always, any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Slopey.