How a Windsor chair is made

windsor chair making 1

Splitting a log with sledge hammer and wedge to produce blanks for bow, spindles, legs, stretchers and arm posts.

Windsor chair making 2

Inserting shaped piece into steam box. After approx. one hour piece is bent.

Windsor chair making 3

Shaving a spindle. Note these pieces are not turned. They are shaved with a drawknife, followed by spokeshaves.

Windsor chair making 4

Turning a leg (electric lathe – less tiring!)

Windsor chair making 5

Adzing the seat – keeping feet well out of the way

Windsor chair making 6

Further shaping of the seat with a travisher

Windsor chair making 7

Shaping the front of a seat with a spokeshave

Windsor chair making 8

Legging-up

Windsor chair making 9

Inserting spindle into seat

Windsor chair making 10

Adding the crest to a comb-back chair

Windsor chair making 11

Applying the final finish

Photos courtesy of Furniture & Cabinet Making – taken for a series of four articles ‘ Making Your First Windsor Chair’ (2006)