Chair class with George Sawyer
Warning: a couple of power tools were used in the construction of this chair. So if I'm in the wrong part of the forum feel free to move this post.
Last week I headed to Vermont to take a balloon back chair class at the Sawyer Made shop in South Woodbury. It was seven days of learning, working, delightful conversation and some good laughs. The only thing I am sorry about is waiting so long to finally commit to a week off work and the cost of the class, which in hindsight is worth every penny. I've been wanting to make chairs for some time, but somehow always find an excuse to not start. Not having the right tool, or wood species or knowing exactly how to make that cut or drill that mortice. So for me, a hobby woodworker with little experience, this class was perfect. There is no comparison between reading books (even if they are thoughtfully written with exceptional explanation and detail) and having an experienced chairmaker right behind you to answer your question or better yet, guide you to finding the solution to your own problem. Every step of the process was explained, including multiple ways to skin the same cat. Every specialty chairmaking tool was covered including edge maintenance and care. And all the tricks for fixing mistakes and making corrections were covered since either myself or my classmates made every effort to botch our balloon backs. If you have an interest in taking a chair class but are on the fence about it, DO IT! I wish I'd have taken this class 8 years ago, the cost was less then and I'd be eight years into making more chairs and being a better woodworker. Now I'm off to copy a three legged stool that I studied in George's shop. He was kind enough to help me develop a pattern and sell me the raw materials to take home to Montana.
