Getting ready to build...

[Dodgy Loner]

I had an English-style bodger's shavehorse and it served me well for a decade, but the dumbhead is more functional for shaving long splits like you use in a Windsor chair since they don't have to be passed between the uprights. Once I make a dumbhead to replace the Smarthead, I'll line the jaws with leather and then I'll really have something useful. The wood gets burnished with use and tends to slip a lot without the leather lining.

[lowpolyjoe]

Wow that's a serious finishing procedure in the plans.

Since you brought up the topic of lining jaws with leather - how do you secure the leather?  I tried to line my vise jaws (not a shavehorse, but same principle) recently.  I couldn't find leather locally but I found cork board roll and I read that was a find substitute.  I tried securing it with 3M spray adhesive but it wouldn't hold well.  I was wondering if spray adhesive works with leather?  Or do you use nails or tacks or something?

[Dodgy Loner]

Wow that's a serious finishing procedure in the plans.

It's more labor-intensive than most of the finishing that I do, but after spending 80 hours or more on the chair, another 8-10 on the finish is well worth it. I'm already halfway done - I did the dye on Monday night, first coat of milk paint on Tuesday night, sanded the first coat and applied the second coat last night. I did it inside while hanging out with my wife after the kids went to bed, so she appreciated that I wasn't ducking out to the shop like I was while building the chair ;) The nice thing about all of these finishing materials is that they are all non-toxic, unlike varnish and lacquer, so no worries with finishing in the house.

Since you brought up the topic of lining jaws with leather - how do you secure the leather?

Yellow glue works just as well on leather as it does on wood. Hide glue is another option, just as good but not as convenient.

[venice]

Your craftsmanship is amazing. What i like most, craftsmanship aside, you are using technology in your adze that has been around since stoneage. Connecting the past with today!

Hats off to you and thanks for sharing. venice

[lowpolyjoe]

Since you brought up the topic of lining jaws with leather - how do you secure the leather?

Yellow glue works just as well on leather as it does on wood. Hide glue is another option, just as good but not as convenient.

Thanks.  I might actually have some hide glue granules on hand from some old veneer work.

[Dodgy Loner]

I know you've got plenty of yellow glue too. I've seen that workbench of yours :D

I have a mallet that I made a couple years ago and faced one side with leather for tapping joints together. I used yellow glue and it's held fast through lots of pounding.

[lowpolyjoe]

I know you've got plenty of yellow glue too. I've seen that workbench of yours :D

:D.

I think I used most of a full gallon jug.

[Dodgy Loner]

Done. Thanks for following along

[Darrel]

Wow! Very nice to look at!

[lowpolyjoe]

Looks great !  8).  Congrats on a successful project 

[beenthere]

Now going to finish a full set?   ;D

[Hilltop366]

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

[Dodgy Loner]

Now going to finish a full set?   ;D

This won't be my last, but it might be a while before I start another. Shop time is short with a one-month-old in the house. I finished this one up just in time ;)

[mesquite buckeye]

Very nice. ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

[samandothers]

U r the man!

Great looking.

[rasman57]

You will be well served to note your fine work finishing that beautiful chair was the same time you added a family member.   It will be around a long time.  Great handcrafted skill!

[Dodgy Loner]

You will be well served to note your fine work finishing that beautiful chair was the same time you added a family member.   It will be around a long time.  Great handcrafted skill!

That's a great idea. I meant to carve my name and date on the underside of the seat - I haven't done that yet, but I will now!

[downsouth]

WOW!
Amazing job.

[petefrom bearswamp]

I too came to this thread late.
You, Sir are a true artist with your tool making as well as the chair.