Classic Arm Chair Class
An arm chair companion to the Post & Rung or Classic Side Chair
taught by Jeff Lefkowitz • Strasburg, Virginia
The arm chair builds on the skills acquired building either of the side chairs with the addition of beautifully hand shaped arms and slightly larger dimensions. It uses the same bending forms and many of the same drilling jigs as the post & rung side chair
This six day class will take you, step-by-step, through the process of hand crafting a Boggs designed Classic Arm Chair. Because class size is limited to two students, you get very personalized instruction and can work at your own pace. Every process is broken down into small, manageable steps so that you can concentrate on mastering one task at a time before moving onto the next. Whenever a new process is introduced, especially for hand shaping, you are given the opportunity to practice on spare material before working on your actual chair part. In addition to showing you how, I always explain why, so that you will understand underlying concepts and how each step fits into the big picture.
In this advanced class you’ll build on the skills you acquired in the introductory class. You’ll learn how to shape and install the arms. And we’ll introduce some methods of working used in production chair shops.
Learn how to
- Hand shape curved and straight parts using a drawknife, spokeshave and scraper
- Prep and turn the front legs
- Shape and install the arms
- Work with angles and curved parts
- Use moisture content and grain orientation to make a long-lasting joint
- Assemble using hide glue
- Sharpen chairmaking tools
Review how to
- Select lumber and mill parts for chairmaking
- Steam bend the rear legs and slats
Fully illustrated manual
The class includes a 70+ page, fully illustrated manual, that documents the process for building your chair from beginning to end. It serves as a step-by-step reminder of the steps taught in class. Because the manual is so complete it minimizes or eliminates the need for you to take notes. This allows you to spend all your class time learning new techniques and working on your chair.
Seat weaving and jigs
You will have the option to weave the seat in class or use that time to make some of the additional jigs introduced in this class (this chair uses the same bending forms and many of the same drilling jigs as the post & rung side chair). Most students opt for making the jigs in class if time permits. That, in combination with the manual, will give you a huge head start when you begin to make that next chair in your own shop. The cost for form and jig materials is not included in the class fee.
Support
Although the manual should provide you with all the information you need to make this chair in your own shop I am also available, via e-mail, to answer questions as they come up.
Located in the Shenandoah Valley
All classes take place in my shop about 5 miles from Strasburg, Virginia and are limited to a maximum of two students. Strasburg is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. It is close to the intersection of I-81 and I-66 so it is easy to get to.
Register
There is no formal schedule for classes. I am usually available two weeks each month. To ask questions or register for a class call me at 540-409-7680 or click here to contact me via e-mail. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and look for class dates that work for both of us.
Class fee: $1,200. Includes 6 days of instruction, chair and seat materials, and fully illustrated manual. The fee does not include the cost for materials for building any optional forms and jigs.
Class size: Maximum of 2 students
Prerequisite: Post & Rung Side Chair, Greenwood Side Chair, class taught by Brian in the past, or equivalent experience
Deposit: A $200 deposit is required to reserve a class spot
To reserve a class or ask questions call 540-409-7680 or click here to contact me via e-mail
Or read my introductory blog post to learn about my path to becoming an instructor for Brian Boggs Chairmakers
