North Bennet Street School

Dates: Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8 (5 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Andy Glenn CF '08

Teaching Assistant: Juliana Heck CF '24

In this five-day class, students will build a fan back Windsor chair.  We'll knock the crest and spindles out of a red oak log before shaping the parts on the shave horse. We'll then steam bend the comb and put the spindles in the kiln to dry.  The pine seat is sculpted by using a scorp, travisher, and spokeshaves to achieve its comfortable shape. Once all the parts are made, the lower frame is assembled before drilling and fitting the upper. Our goal is to have the chair together on Friday afternoon.  Finish prep and painting will happen after class (Andy will demonstrate and discuss finishing techniques). Windsor chairs are most frequently painted.  

Note: Turnings (legs, stretchers, and stiles) are provided. We will not turn them during our class; 5-days simply isn't enough time to add turning to the mix.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class. 

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

• Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
• No loose clothing
• Long pants suggested
• No loose jewelry
• Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: All levels are welcome; previous chairmaking experience is helpful but not necessary.