Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Wooden chair question/ shape of back
Barry Irby
Been looking at a number of wooden chairs that have curved Back rests. The back is sort of a serpentine curve that looks like it would be comfortable and provide sumbar support. Maybe Maloof style, but maybe a little less "organic".
I'm thinking of setting up a form and laminating them but I want to get it right and not build a half a dozen different forms as an experiment. Any idea how to establish that curve?
Galbert's chair notes
Jack Guzman from Maine
Peter Galbert,windsor chairmaker has a blog called chair notes. He incorporates curved backs in some of his designs. His blog contains alot of useful chairbuilding info.
Re: Wooden chair question/ shape of back
jessecloud
Go to the source. Find an actual person who might sit in the chair (ideally your client).
Take a pencil, sharpie, whatever, and tie it against the end of a dowel so that the point projects an inch or two beyond the dowel.
Have the subject sit on a stool. Next to a wall. Attach a clean piece of mdf to the wall. Use the dowel pencil to rub against his back and move it along to mark (scribe) the curve on the mdf.
After he gets up, mark the top of the stool on the mdf.
Voila, there is your curve.
Do this with a very tall or very short customer and he will sit comfortably in a chair for the first time in his life.
BTW, people are happy to pay a premium for a chair this comfortable.
Re: Wooden chair question/ shape of back
Barry Irby
I had thought this might be the way to do it.
Wonder if I can convince her she needs to be scantily clad for the procedure?
Re: Wooden chair question/ shape of back
jessecloud
Well certainly a lot of thick clothing would mask the true shape of the spinal curve... :^)