Doug Hepler
09-08-2008, 11:41 AM
I need advice about where/how to obtain stock to make a full-size ladderback chair.
For practice, I have made a child-sized ladderback using commercial furniture grade(?) birch dowels. I've located sources for rail spindles, seat webbing, etc. But where can I get the long (40-48") 1-1/4" diameter rear posts? I would prefer maple.
Of course I could make them out of flat stock. My lathe will not accept a turning that long. The only way I can think of to make them myself is to use a spokeshave.
If you have experience making ladderback chairs, please tell me what you prefer for the long posts --
1. species?
2. green or seasoned?
3. sources.
4. is riven stock really essential?
Any advice will be most appreciated.
For practice, I have made a child-sized ladderback using commercial furniture grade(?) birch dowels. I've located sources for rail spindles, seat webbing, etc. But where can I get the long (40-48") 1-1/4" diameter rear posts? I would prefer maple.
Of course I could make them out of flat stock. My lathe will not accept a turning that long. The only way I can think of to make them myself is to use a spokeshave.
If you have experience making ladderback chairs, please tell me what you prefer for the long posts --
1. species?
2. green or seasoned?
3. sources.
4. is riven stock really essential?
Any advice will be most appreciated.