Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Do I need to add spindles?
The continuous arm chair in the pic was done in a class, somewhat hurriedly. At the last minute, the instructor suggested that we not put in the last two spindles, and that the negative space we have would enhance the chair's appearance.
I think the chair looks good, but I also think it would look better with nine spindles.
Finally, my thanks to Jack Guzman and John Jardin, two guys I've learned from and been encouraged by. Thanks!
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Joe.....good grief, that's a good looking chair.....7 or 9 spindles either way, a beautiful example of fine woodworking!!
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Joe,
The chair needs the additional spindles. My eye is drawn to the negative space, but not in a positive way. The spacing in that area is off, The eye/brain likes order. Every Continuous Arm Windsor I have seen has a spindle in that area. Drew Langsner talked about that spindle in his classes. The discussion was do you put it where the eye likes it or do you locate where it will provide the most benefit for the strength of the chair? Makers choice. Depending on where it contacts the arm, it may have a blind hole. That area of the arm is the weakest and is the most likely spot for failure.
Mike in Zuni VA
From Mr. Critical...
... I say both Mike and Roger are correct. However, very few will recognize a technical error such as this. Depending on difficulty of repair it's your call.
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
If it's no trouble to add them, do so. I think it would finish the chair nicely. Great job by the way.
Re: From Mr. Critical...
This is a very good point. Living with things we make can be a curse! Give it away and make another? You clearly have some skills.
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Joe, I would leave out the extra spindles. The balamce looks good to me, and I fear that more spindles may add a sense of clutter.
That is one beautiful chair. Tell us more about the course and methods used.
Regards from Perth
Derek
The class
was five days in Adrian, Michigan at the Sam Beaufort school. It was a wonderful experience for me and the other two old geezers who were there. The instructor, Luke Barnett, did a fine job of coaching us.
We started Monday morning with a white oak log on the ground. It looked smaller than I thought would be required, but after a taxing spell with hammer, wedge and axe, I had plentiful stocks of wood for spindles and the arm. I also had a new respect for white oak. That thing was tenacious.
Building a chair in five days requires a strict regimen, because the arm must be shaped for steaming and then bent, all while spindles are whittled and dried in a kiln. Luke stayed on top of the schedule, and the work we did on those early pieces. With the early work done, we moved to the seat, which entails careful layout and a hell of a lot of carving and shaping.
During the entire class, I used two electric tools - the bandsaw to rough out the arm, and a Milwaukee M18 drill for the holes in the arm. Power sanders were available, but I stubbornly avoided them. Luke's approach to procedures and tools is consistent with what I believe is typical for most people who are teaching Windsor chairs, with the exception of Curtis Buchanan. Curtis, I believe, eschews electric drills, and I think I know why. Turning that big ole Milwaukeek drill loose on my chair just scared the be'jeebies out of me, and I'm now committed to the brace and bit. Calm is smooth and smooth is happy for me.
Bending the arm was enthralling. The steam box, a leaky plywood tunnel, held all three arms easily. Luke told us that the box needs to leak steam to ensure steady flow of 'live steam'. Made me think of Jake Homan in Sand Pebbles. After steaming a little over an hour, we rushed our arms to the forms we had prepped. It surprised me to bend that wood so readily after I'd struggled so much to split and rive it. All three arms bent safely.
On Friday morning, I was exhausted and the other two guys may have been, too, because no one objected to Luke's (insightful) suggestion that we forego drilling and installing the last two spindles. At the time, I was elated that I didn't have to drill those final two holes.
Now I'm whittling two new spindles, even though I haven't fully resolved the question of putting them in. The chair is flawed, and I know its every flaw. It is very comfortable to sit in, and it does not look bad, just non-standard. I'll finish the two extra spindles, and then decide what to do. Right now I feel that I need to rise to a challenge.
I really appreciate all the affirmations I've gotten in the thread, and even the diversity of opinion about the 'nefarious space' issue.
Thanks, fellas.
NO!
Show and wear it with pride! Give yourself kudos because your first(?) build really is a success.
We are our own critic, and ruthless. I have rarely enjoyed satisfaction in my work because I am too nit-picky. Usually, what's wrong to me fades away after use when comfort prevails.
Your work would be recognizable to another with expertise in that chair style. Unless all your friends are windsor builders, soak up the complements. And, if you must break out the magnifying glass, point to a travisher or other hand tool nick which reinforces the "handmade" qualities.
Re: The class
Joe....I remember Jake and "live steam"......that was a good movie.....I live in the Grand Rapids area and was not aware of this chair school program in Michigan.....never heard of it before.....
Your question/problem is not in the chair.....it's in you.....if you are only at peace with perfection sought (as am I).....then, you will only be satisfied if you add those spindles......I relate to this as I will also find myself unable to let something go (even though it is perfectly fine as is your chair) and will have to go the last mile to "improve" something.....
If you add the spindles, give us an update and pic......
Re: The class
Could you contact Luke for advice in adding the missing spindles?
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Very nice work Joe!
First...a question...did you turn all the leg and arm spindles?
Per your question.....Having looked at the picture of a finished chair from the class website
I would say add the last spindles!
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
No, the turnings were all done for us, and were very dry.
My focus now is mostly to develop the skills to turn my own legs, stretchers and arm posts. For me, a slow process...
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Joe, first, that is a beautiful chair and well done on your first effort! Second, I am wondering if you were pressed for time to finish the chair as the 2 remaining outside spindles are the trickiest to drill given the crazy angle you have to attack the bow. Not sure how your instructor does those, but I make blind holes from inside the bow (not thru holes from the top like the other spindles). It’s a little nerve wracking. I like having those spindles there to support the bow in the corners.
Again, great job on the chair, I hope you’re hooked now!
Kevin
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
I think it looks fine like that. Structurally it is good so I wouldn't change anything.
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
I find it very satisfying just as it is. But If it were my project, and I wasn't sure about whether or not to add two more, I would look up what the famous guys did. I'm not suggestion that you have to be a slave to what they did. But why not take a look?
Re: Do I need to add spindles?
Agree with Derek on all points. More would be less. Love the chair!
Wiley
