Foundations of Greenwood Chair Making
Workshop Fee: $900.00
This course will introduce students to the basic tools and techniques of green woodworking through the construction of an Appalachian style ladderback chair. Parts will be split from a log and shaped using hand tools and shave horses. Curved rear posts will be steam bent, and students will create long lasting mortise and tenon joints both by hand and with simple power tools. The course is open to students of all levels and will provide a great foundation for anyone interested in working with hand tools or building furniture without a full machine shop. Students will have time to assemble a classic two slat ladderback chair based on the iconic design of the Poynor family.
Skills and Techniques:
- Splitting and riving parts from a log
- Working with a shave horse and drawknife
- Managing moisture content in wood
- Steam bending
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Construction with hide glue
- General chair design considerations
Materials Fee: $200 paid directly to the instructor.
Special Tools or Equipment to bring: None required, but students should feel free to bring eye and ear protection, or a drawknife and spokeshave if they already have them.
Workshop and Cancellation Policies
Please be sure to read our 2026 policies before you register for a workshop. https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/
