Hi,
My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
are there any good videos available about it? And/or
good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
learn to do this!
David
[email protected]
You didn't mention whose class he wants to attend. It may very well be
worth it. Would you spend $600 for two days with Maloof?
I think Dunbar's book is out of print and in great demand. There was a
string recently that indicated they were going for more than $80.
Norm has two programs dedicated to making a Windsor chair. American Woodshop
(Scott Phillips) has done two different programs on Windsor chairs.
The Houston Woodcraft store conducts sessions on Windsor chairs from time to
time.
You pays yer money and takes yer choice. :-)
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
>
> My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> learn to do this!
>
> David
> [email protected]
Sounds like $600 may be a bargin.
http://www.danarobes.com/workshops1.htm
RB
[email protected] wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> learn to do this!
>
> David
> [email protected]
"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:37:02 -0500, "Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >You didn't mention whose class he wants to attend. It may very well be
> >worth it. Would you spend $600 for two days with Maloof?
>
> Not if I didn't already know who Maloof was. As a tutor for beginning
> chairmakers, I'm not sure that he would really have much to offer over
> anyone else.
Come on Andy,
I know the Smithsonian is not of importance to our cousins across the ocean,
but the man has his work in the Smithsonian. And to us colonists, it is a
big deal. :-)
Not many of us end up in the museum while we are still breathing.
"Mike Hide" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:pyWic.21289$cF6.872852@attbi_s04...
> Maloof ran some courses at highland hardware where one of his mostly
> completed chairs still resides . I have sat in that very chair many times
> and am astounded how ergonomically inefficient it is . Sorry design in my
> opinion....mjh
>
I've never sat in one of his chairs, so I can't comment on its ergonomics.
He did come up with a design that is very much copied and imitated today. I
respect it for what it is, but I would never copy his style, because it is
copied so much.
George Nakashima's (rip) is readily recognizable, but I'm not terrible taken
with his chair that is so famous. His "New Chairs" design looks pretty good
to me (as does Thomas Moser's chairs).
I'm just a duffer, so I can't really argue with the stars in this group, but
just about every one knows who Maloof, Krenov, and Frid are. Most of us
recognize the work of Nakashima and also the Green brothers.
Yes, I'd pay to see Maloof.
I'm going to the Brazos Rocker class at Homestead Heritage in June and It's
costing me a lot more that the $600 class that started this string. :-)
That sounds more like a seminar, which means it might be
well worth the money, depending on who's giving it, the info
packs provided, and how well it fits with your bro's wallet,
background and interests.
Seminars are often one of a kind specialties and
sometimes offer a deep immersion into a subject that you may
not have experience with.
Pop
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
>
> My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to
make
> Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in
is:
> are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> learn to do this!
>
> David
> [email protected]
[email protected] wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Hi,
>
> My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> learn to do this!
>
> David
> [email protected]
Dear David:
I invite you to take a look at my web site:
www.americansycamoreretreat.com
I am perhaps a bit bias, but I believe we have one of the finest
Windsor chair classes here in the United States. My instructor,
Blaine Berry, has been to just about all of the Windsor chair classes
and schools in the country. We have taken the best things about each
school and combined them into a fine class. We build a chair that is
not painted using a butternut seat, cherry legs, and oak spindles and
back. We offer a five day class in which every student will finish
and apply a finish to their chairtaking home a completed chair. We
furnish all the tools needed, breakfast, lunch, and a dinner on
Thrsday nights. We have a guest house 100yds from the school and have
a very beautiful setting for you to spend time. If you have any
questions or if I can address any concerns please give me an email at
[email protected]
thanks,
Mike
RB <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Sounds like $600 may be a bargin.
>
> http://www.danarobes.com/workshops1.htm
>
> RB
>
> Must be a kit that you put together....it takes us 5 good days to
build and complete a chair.... do not see how you could build a chair
in two days ...must be just lecture-demo...We start with a log and
split out our parts, carve out our own seats, turn the legs, bend the
back, and assemble our chairs with hand tools. This is an aggressive
class for just 5 days, but so far every student has left with a
completed fine chair, plus the knowledge to build more. Our insturtor
shares his jigs and fixtures and all the secrets to build a chair on
your own. Michael Dunbar has been quoted to say that his two biggest
mistakes in life was his first marriage and writing the book on
building Windsor chairs. Dunbar reports that the printers chopped
alot out of the book and it would be very difficult to build a chair
using the book alone. Our class sells for $850.00 for the week,
includes all your wood and tools, breakfast & lunch each day and
dinner on Thursday. If you have any questions or concerns I would
glad to answer them.
Good luck.
Mike
> [email protected] wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> > Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> > wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> > any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> > costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> > sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> > him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> > are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> > good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> > by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> > ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
> >
> > Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> > learn to do this!
> >
> > David
> > [email protected]
"Mike Hide" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<sEWic.21216$YP5.1560705@attbi_s02>...
> Tell that to the bodgers in the Berkshire woods using pole lathes, thats
> would have been a years salary. Only in America... mjh
>
Most Bodgers never made a complete chair, they just made parts that
was sold to a chairmaker.
Our instructor Blaine Berry is over 30 chairs behind and he sells his
chairs for $850.00 and his settee for $1500.00 He can not keep up
with his orders, most customers are willing to wait over a year to own
one of his chairs. I believe that his prices are in line for a hand
made quality piece of furniture. His chairs are beautiful to look at
and very comfortable to seat upon. Blaine brings much knowledge and
shares his skills and methods as a chairmaker as well.
Building a chair is hard work and takes a lot of talent: Do not
begrudge a man his worth.
Mike from American Sycamore
> --
> http://members.tripod.com/mikehide2
> "RB" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Sounds like $600 may be a bargin.
> >
> > http://www.danarobes.com/workshops1.htm
> >
> > RB
> >
> >
> >
> > [email protected] wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> > > Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> > > wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> > > any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> > > costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> > > sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> > > him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> > > are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> > > good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> > > by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> > > ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> > > learn to do this!
> > >
> > > David
> > > [email protected]
> >
> we have one of the finest Windsor chair classes here in the United States
If this is not an option, (this school is not far from where we live) you
might consider a woodworking class in a College or Junior College in your
area. That is what our son did, perhaps the first one will not be up to
what you would like but with the cost of most schools, you can buy a dozen
chairs. Bee Hives to Windsor chairs? Shees.
Walt Conner
> > My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> > Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> > wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately
> we have one of the finest Windsor chair classes here in the United States
are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
>
> Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> learn to do this!
>
> David
> [email protected]
I have a brandnew book here: Make a windsorchair with Michael Dunbar
I do ladderbackchairs, that's why I never used it.
What's a reasonable price?
[email protected]
On Sat, 24 Apr 2004 09:01:12 -0500, "Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I know the Smithsonian is not of importance to our cousins across the ocean,
>but the man [Maloof] has his work in the Smithsonian.
Sure, and if you're a skilled chairmaker then you're going to be lucky
to see maloof in action.
But as a beginner, are you really going to appreciate the distinction?
--
Smert' spamionam
In article <[email protected]>,
"Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]> wrote:
> You didn't mention whose class he wants to attend. It may very well be
> worth it. Would you spend $600 for two days with Maloof?
>
> I think Dunbar's book is out of print and in great demand. There was a
> string recently that indicated they were going for more than $80.
>
> Norm has two programs dedicated to making a Windsor chair. American Woodshop
> (Scott Phillips) has done two different programs on Windsor chairs.
>
> The Houston Woodcraft store conducts sessions on Windsor chairs from time to
> time.
>
> You pays yer money and takes yer choice. :-)
>
> <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi,
> >
> > My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> > Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> > wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> > any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> > costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> > sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> > him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> > are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> > good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> > by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> > ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
> >
> > Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> > learn to do this!
> >
> > David
> > [email protected]
>
>
I took my class from a chairmaker named Greg Long in Houston, TX. It
was a 5-day class, 8-hrs/day, and you made a sackback chair. I think it
cost me $500 a few years ago. You did everything except the turnings
(legs, stretchers, etc). After the class I was able to go home, and
subsequently made another sackback and 6 more side chairs. I was pretty
lucky because I was the only one in my class at the time. The last
email address I have for Greg is: [email protected]
On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:37:02 -0500, "Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>You didn't mention whose class he wants to attend. It may very well be
>worth it. Would you spend $600 for two days with Maloof?
Not if I didn't already know who Maloof was. As a tutor for beginning
chairmakers, I'm not sure that he would really have much to offer over
anyone else.
>I think Dunbar's book is out of print and in great demand. There was a
>string recently that indicated they were going for more than $80.
If you can find a UK book in your locality, try Mike Abbott's books on
green woodworking or Windsors.
--
Smert' spamionam
Maloof ran some courses at highland hardware where one of his mostly
completed chairs still resides . I have sat in that very chair many times
and am astounded how ergonomically inefficient it is . Sorry design in my
opinion....mjh
--
http://members.tripod.com/mikehide2
"Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:37:02 -0500, "Lowell Holmes" <[email protected]>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >You didn't mention whose class he wants to attend. It may very well be
> > >worth it. Would you spend $600 for two days with Maloof?
> >
> > Not if I didn't already know who Maloof was. As a tutor for beginning
> > chairmakers, I'm not sure that he would really have much to offer over
> > anyone else.
>
> Come on Andy,
>
> I know the Smithsonian is not of importance to our cousins across the
ocean,
> but the man has his work in the Smithsonian. And to us colonists, it is a
> big deal. :-)
> Not many of us end up in the museum while we are still breathing.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Tell that to the bodgers in the Berkshire woods using pole lathes, thats
would have been a years salary. Only in America... mjh
--
http://members.tripod.com/mikehide2
"RB" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Sounds like $600 may be a bargin.
>
> http://www.danarobes.com/workshops1.htm
>
> RB
>
>
>
> [email protected] wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > My brother has it in mind to take a class and learn to make
> > Windsor chairs. He is pretty good at making things with
> > wood--doing a lot of bee hives lately if anyone needs
> > any--and has the equipment he'll need. But the class
> > costs about $600 for two days I believe. Jeez! Does that
> > sound like a reasonable thing to do? Anyone want to give
> > him a course for less? :-) What I'm really interested in is:
> > are there any good videos available about it? And/or
> > good books? For some reason he wants to get a book
> > by a particular man Michael Dunbar, but so far the only
> > ones I've been able to find by him cost about $80.
> >
> > Thanks for any help or suggestions on how best he can
> > learn to do this!
> >
> > David
> > [email protected]
>