I have long wanted to build myself a Morris chair, but just never got it to the top of the project list. Being retired finally, I have more shop time to commit to larger projects so I decided my first full winter workshop season would be dedicated to the chair and a stool. I liked the bow arm styled chair that was featured several years ago in Fine Woodworking and so I bought the plans from Lee Valley. I dug out the FWW issue and got to making a pick list for the lumber. Of course the classic choice of quartersawn white oak was my choice, and I managed to pick through the limited stock I found locally to get what I needed. Once I had it home, It took a few hours planning the utilization to ensure the best usage and ensure all parts could be cut from the stock.

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Tale of two chairs
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Now the title of the thread say two chairs.
Having secured the wood and started on the project, we happened to be visiting my wife's folks one evening and I mentioned my plans. Now most people when you tell them your building a Morris chair give a quizzical look and ask what that is. My father-in-law however perked up and said he had always wanted one but could never justify the cost of one. I casually mentioned it wouldn't be too much more work to built two at the same time. Just like that, the deal was in the works and I had increased the scope of my winters work x2.
Now the issue was the supply of good QWO lumber, so we discussed options and decided to build his chair in cherry, an acceptable choice of wood for arts and crafts furniture, a little less expensive than oak and available readily.
So back I went to buy more lumber.
Les Groeller, Stuart Jacobs and 2 others like this.
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Looking forward to this build thread. I'm a big fan of all things Mission or A&C.
[email protected] and Wally in Calgary like this.Cheers
Randy
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Re: Tale of two chairs
With all the wood prepared, I've now started cutting pieces to size. I decided to use the lock miter joint method of making the legs with four q-sawn faces. Now the cherry does not really need this treatment, but I liked the idea of not having glue joints on the face and since I was doing the oak that way, may as well do the same for the cherry. First time doing this technique and it seems to have gone well. I made a jig to hold them to run them through the router table, all 32 sides are cut and ready for glue-up.
Wally in Calgary likes this.
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Neither looks very comfortable to me.
Hope you can improve them.Noel
"Being so impressed with the beauty of nature, I never cease to be amazed at how the
'touch of the human hand' can transform it into another kind of beauty that is so uniquely human."
John Snow, Outdoorsman and Retired Teacher
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Re: Tale of two chairs
It was the best of time it was the dustiest of times.
Popcorn ready following along.Jerome
Canada's South Coast
Port Colborne On.
CARPENTER noun. (car-pun-ter)
1) A person who solves problems you can't.
2) One who does precision guesswork based on unreliable data, provided by those of questionable knowledge. see also: wizard, magician.
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Re: Tale of two chairs
I really like the idea of the locked mitre joint, Ed. Compared to the way I've been doing it, which is to use biscuits, I can certainly see advantages to the process.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out for you.
Originally posted by Ed in Calgary View PostWith all the wood prepared, I've now started cutting pieces to size. I decided to use the lock miter joint method of making the legs with four q-sawn faces. Now the cherry does not really need this treatment, but I liked the idea of not having glue joints on the face and since I was doing the oak that way, may as well do the same for the cherry. First time doing this technique and it seems to have gone well. I made a jig to hold them to run them through the router table, all 32 sides are cut and ready for glue-upAll the best,
Marty
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Originally posted by Ed in Calgary View PostWith all the wood prepared, I've now started cutting pieces to size. I decided to use the lock miter joint method of making the legs with four q-sawn faces. Now the cherry does not really need this treatment, but I liked the idea of not having glue joints on the face and since I was doing the oak that way, may as well do the same for the cherry. First time doing this technique and it seems to have gone well. I made a jig to hold them to run them through the router table, all 32 sides are cut and ready for glue-up.
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Re: Tale of two chairs
I am really looking forward to following this. I wound up buying a Morris chair some years ago, but always wanted to build one. The lock miter bits do a great job once you have the set up right. Don't use mine near enough.
Lots of inspiration here.Previously Wallace's Dad
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Originally posted by Wally in Calgary View PostDid you wrap them up tight until ready to glue??
Originally posted by John Bartley View Post
Nice stock ! It looks like you really decent quartering on the Oak. I have one of those mitre corner bits and it took me a long time to get used to it when I used it. Your corners look pretty good.Last edited by Ed in Calgary; 12-01-2020, 10:21 AM.
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Re: Tale of two chairs
Originally posted by MartyFromKingston View PostI really like the idea of the locked mitre joint, Ed. Compared to the way I've been doing it, which is to use biscuits, I can certainly see advantages to the process.Cheers
Randy
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