An excellent post. Thanks for helping popularize the use of kiln dried wood in Windsor chair making. Its a great alternative for us hobbiests who don't have ready access to suitable, green logs. Following your writings/videos I was able to rive all the parts for a contiuous arm settee from hickory, oak, ash and hard maple. I followed your suggestion to use ash for the steam bending and after soaking, it bent beautifully. And now, when I go to the lumberyard, all those grain lines in a board begin to mean something to me. Many Thanks.
A helpful post indeed. Your description of the desired natural structures visible in a potential board isn’t stated so clearly anywhere else that I have seen.
And, your initial comments are most welcome too in the present relational climate. To merely say, “ We don’t discuss politics or religion “, just presents two more negative statements and they fall to develop a positive environment of understanding and acceptance as you have done so effectively. Well said.
Working in California, I really appreciate these posts. I can never find air dried or logs of chair making wood local to me (Bay Area). I’m forced to use kiln dried, unless I want to drop some serious coin on local walnut. I’ve never had success steam bending kiln dried woods, I’ve read this is because the lignin is “set” in the kiln, wondering if you’ve ever been able to achieve serious bends with this same type of stock (sorry if it’s been covered, I’m a new subscriber).
I'm curious why you rip after splitting. Splitting twice more would be pretty easy; is it to avoid accidentally splitting too far and wasting a piece, maybe?
I love woodworking. I'm hopeful for its future. The more people we get involved, the better off it will be.
I don't know if it was intentional, but the second half of the post accomplishes the same thing. Using kiln dried wood opens chairmaking to a much wider audience than needing a tree and splitting out parts.
An excellent post. Thanks for helping popularize the use of kiln dried wood in Windsor chair making. Its a great alternative for us hobbiests who don't have ready access to suitable, green logs. Following your writings/videos I was able to rive all the parts for a contiuous arm settee from hickory, oak, ash and hard maple. I followed your suggestion to use ash for the steam bending and after soaking, it bent beautifully. And now, when I go to the lumberyard, all those grain lines in a board begin to mean something to me. Many Thanks.
A helpful post indeed. Your description of the desired natural structures visible in a potential board isn’t stated so clearly anywhere else that I have seen.
And, your initial comments are most welcome too in the present relational climate. To merely say, “ We don’t discuss politics or religion “, just presents two more negative statements and they fall to develop a positive environment of understanding and acceptance as you have done so effectively. Well said.
This is a great post. I’m really looking forward to taking a class with you this fall!
Working in California, I really appreciate these posts. I can never find air dried or logs of chair making wood local to me (Bay Area). I’m forced to use kiln dried, unless I want to drop some serious coin on local walnut. I’ve never had success steam bending kiln dried woods, I’ve read this is because the lignin is “set” in the kiln, wondering if you’ve ever been able to achieve serious bends with this same type of stock (sorry if it’s been covered, I’m a new subscriber).
Reluctantly laminating,
Adam
Great post, thank you!
Much respect, Pete.
Well said, write on…
Thank you for those wise and generous words, Pete. And thank you even more for having the courage to say them.
Great post, so informative and the opening was beautiful, thank you for sharing that.
I'm curious why you rip after splitting. Splitting twice more would be pretty easy; is it to avoid accidentally splitting too far and wasting a piece, maybe?
I love woodworking. I'm hopeful for its future. The more people we get involved, the better off it will be.
I don't know if it was intentional, but the second half of the post accomplishes the same thing. Using kiln dried wood opens chairmaking to a much wider audience than needing a tree and splitting out parts.
Well stated, sign me up for another year.
I'll get over to take a course when conditions allow.
A great post, Pete.
Thanks Pete! Both topics were well stated and helpful!
Sounds like a wonderful set of expectations for workshop participation to me Pete! Well put 👌😊