Easy Chairs Completed

[Calvin Hobbs]

I had an extremely busy year in 2007...Therefore my shop output was dismally low, unfortunately. I posted progress pictures back in June, probably, so sorry about the redundancy.

My only projects completed are these two reproductions of a Charleston Easy chair from the mid-eighteenth century. The upholstery is scheduled so I braved the weather to get a few pictures before they get covered up. I struggle with photographs so I have better luck taking them outside, too bad it is in the teens today.

The legs are mahogany, the secondary woods are poplar and Southern yellow pine. Finished with shellac.

These chairs were not too difficult, but I started them in February and just finished them in November, a brutally long schedule.

Thanks for checking them out and I would be interested to know what everyone thinks. Cal

[Larry Anderson]

What do you mean easy? not if you made the legs. Very nice.

[Ben Hobbs]

As usual, you did a great job. What about the doublechest? Dad

[Jim Becker]

Very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing them in final form once you get them upholstered, too.

[Calvin Hobbs]

Very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing them in final form once you get them upholstered, too.

Me too, Jim. It's been a long time coming. I have almost as many unfinished pieces in my dining and living rooms as I do finished. They are picking them up on the 29th, it will be nice to actually sit in them. I will try to post once they are done. Thanks for you comments. Cal

[Calvin Hobbs]

As usual, you did a great job. What about the doublechest? Dad

I'm a little behind on that one, Dad. Hopefully today I can finally get my shop cleaned out enough to move them in and get moving. I look forward to seeing yours. Cal

[Calvin Hobbs]

Very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing them in final form once you get them upholstered, too.

Well Jim, for what it's worth, they came back upholstered a few weeks ago. They make a great statement in our living room. All in all a very satisfying project.

Cal

[Ernie Hobbs]

nice work. I can't wait to see them in person.

[J. Z. Guest]

Very nice Calvin! Did you make the legs or buy them? (sorry if that is an insulting question) I saw a bit in Woodsmith a month or two back about how to shape cabriole legs, and it looks quite labor-intensive. Especially if you need to make matched pairs!

What all is under the upholstery, aside from stuffing? I assume some springs to act as structural support. Anything else?

[Calvin Hobbs]

Very nice Calvin! Did you make the legs or buy them? (sorry if that is an insulting question) I saw a bit in Woodsmith a month or two back about how to shape cabriole legs, and it looks quite labor-intensive. Especially if you need to make matched pairs!

What all is under the upholstery, aside from stuffing? I assume some springs to act as structural support. Anything else?

Yes I made the legs. Cab. legs are in general not too difficult. With a few repetitions it becomes a quick process. Just like all woodworking, even shaped work, it boils down to a series of easy steps. Too keep them matching it helps to go through each stage before moving on, e.g. Turn all 4 feet before moving on to cutting the profile, and so on.

The upholstery is usually jute webbing stretched over the frame, then springs in the seat and back (18th c chairs did not have these), padding, covered in muslin, then covered in whatever fabric you choose. The seat is a 4" stiff foam pad. They are very comfortable, and these chairs are nice and wide to fit a large person (yours truly) pretty well. Thanks for your comments. Cal

[Ben Hobbs]

They look great. I'll see them in May. Dad