"bent wood" rocker :)

3/9/05, 6:30 PM #1

Greg W. in NC
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"bent wood" rocker :)

Greg W. in NC

>I was contacted to turn a replacement spindle for a rocking chair. The spindle is about 27" long, and is a straight taper (from about 1" to about 1/2".) However, the last 2/5 of the smaller end is slightly bent, giving the curvature to the back of the rocker. My question - how do I do this? I think the original wood is stained poplar. The lady is going to repaint it, but what is the best way to produce this bend? Obviously I'll have to clamp it in a bent position, but generally how long does that take? Is moisture applied? Steam? I need to know hwo long this is going to take, and how to do it. Help!

Thanks!

Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

3/9/05, 6:54 PM #2

Sam Simpson
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Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

Sam Simpson

>Hi Y'all,

Greg, I have worked on a chair with a similar description. In that case the spindles where not turned, but were shaved after first being shaped.

The chair I worked on was very early by American standards. (Aprox 1750) You might want to identify a few other things about your chair before diving in.

Does the grain follow the spindle all the way from one end to the other? If so it is turned then bent as you suspect. But if not (check at the point of breakage) it is shaped and shaved.

If you have the ability to post a picture of the chair, It might give better clues so I can give better advice. A picture of the underside of the seat would be helpful.

Regards Sam Simpson.

Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

3/9/05, 7:19 PM #3

john lucas
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Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

John Lucas

>I agree with Sam. I steam bend things if needed but sometimes it's quicker and easier to just carve the curved end. I cut the wood so that I can leave a large area on the end that needs the curve. Usually I try to select wood that has a natural curved grain in that area. Then I turn the wood down to the curve part and finish off the rest with Drawknife and spokeshave. You could just as easily use a rasp or whatever you have handyto shape the curve.

Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

3/10/05, 2:50 PM #4

Greg W. in NC
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Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

Greg W. in NC

>Sam and John,

Thanks for the replies. The grain runs straight through it, so I do think it was turned and then 'bent.' Any suggestions on how to do this? Thanks again!

Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

3/10/05, 11:52 PM #5

john lucas
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Re: "bent wood" rocker :)

John Lucas

>Greg

I hope you see this. You'll have to steam bend the part and it works better if you can get green wood. If you want to learn about steam bending get One of Roy Underhill's books. I think Fine woodworking also has a good book on steam bending or just bending in general. Sorry I can't tell you which one. All of my books are still in a box.

I would guess you can probably find some good instructions on the web. Steam bending isn't hard if the curve is gradual. Ideally I would make 2 of the parts. There is some failure occasionally.

"bent wood" rocker :)

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