Introduction to Ladderback Chairmaking

This class emphasizes the use of a few simple tools and techniques to learn the fundamentals of green woodworking and ladderback chairmaking. Chair parts will be split from a log, and shaped on the shaving horse with a drawknife and spokeshave. Curved parts will be bent with steam and we will use a homemade lightbulb kiln to dry our parts. Mortises will be drilled by hand with a brace and auger bit. This class is a lot of work, a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to build skills with your hands and eyes. After five days students will leave with an assembled 2-slat chair, and resources to weave their seats at home. No previous woodworking experience is required, just an open mind.

Skills and Techniques:

• Splitting and Riving
• Shaping with the Drawknife and Spokeshave
• Steam Bending
• Making and Using a Lightbulb Kiln
• Drilling with a Brace and Bit
• Joinery and Using Hide Glue
• Chair Design

Materials Fee: $200 paid directly to the instructor.

Special Tools or Equipment: None

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our 2025 policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies