Next Live Course
Shaker Rocking Chair Project
QUICK LINKS: Epic Store • Online Courses and Plans
ONLINE COURSE DETAILS
Let Tom take you step by step through the build, covering all the details you were encounter. It’s easy – you will be provided with all the instructions on how to watch live or later. Here are the Session dates and times:
- Session 1: Tuesday, February 25, at 7 pm ET
- Session 2: Saturday, March 1, at 10 am ET
- Session 3: Tuesday, March 4, at 7 pm ET
- Session 4: Saturday, March 8, at 10 am ET
- Session 5: Tuesday, March 11, at 7 pm ET
- Session 6: Saturday, March 15, at 10 am ET
- Session 7: Tuesday, March 18, at 7 pm ET
- Session 8: Saturday, March 22, at 10 am ET (as needed)
THE FULL-SIZE PLANS
Note the Plans are scheduled to go out Wednesday, Feb 26, just after the first Session.
- Printed to 36″x48″ from Tom’s original hand drawings.
- Provide all dimensions, ideal for creating templates.
- Include a Materials/Cut List, recommendations for finishing, etc.
- Delivered to you in a sturdy tube for safe transportation and future storage.
DESCRIPTION
In the works for six years, this special project features an accurate reproduction of an actual rocking chair (c. 1830) from the collection at Canterbury Shaker Village. The historic Village, just a mile from our home and workshop, has been an amazing resource over the years and this rocker marks the first piece we are featuring from their collection. Overall this course is chock full of techniques and methods for successfully reproducing this truly classic rocking chair.
The chair will be modified with a slight change to the dimensions of the seat in width and depth as the original is a bit undersized. Two options will also be included for the rocker/runner length, the original style featuring an extremely short “suicide runner” length, or a lengthened rocker version that will be shown during the course. Otherwise, the chair and the full-size drawings will match the original in every way.
While you can choose to build your rocker in one of many types of wood, the original is made in maple or possibly birch.. Either way, Tom will be making the course chair in maple and adding a pleasing “antiqued” warm maple finish to closely approximate the finish on the original chair. Tom will also be including guidance and resources for how to weave the seat using Shaker tape and 1” foam.
Dimensions: 46” H x 22 1/2” W x 23” D (30” D at runner)
Topics include:
- Design overview and details for the Canterbury Shaker Rocker
- Using the Full-size Plans effectively
- Making good patterns from the Plans
- Turning techniques
- Using jigs for holding the round parts effectively
- Methods for creating the mortise and tenon joinery
- Steam bending and using bending forms
- Band-sawing and shaping curved parts
- Hand tool skills to add detail and value
- Finishing approaches and options
- Guidance for weaving a Shaker Tape seat
Questions? Click green square for more
LIVE COURSE FAQs
When do the Live sessions take place
There are typically two times that we opt to go Live — a select weeknight at 8:00 pm ET or Saturday at 10 am ET. On occasion a scheduling conflict causes us to adapt this in some way, but that is rare, and you will be well informed ahead of time should that need to happen.
What if I can’t watch it live, or have to miss a portion?
No problem, each event is recorded for unlimited viewing in the future, indefinitely.
Is it worth watching even if I don’t build along with Tom?
Absolutely, in fact we recommend you do! Whether or not you plan to build the piece, there’s a lot to learn about woodworking, and furniture making, including tips, techniques, and tricks shared from Tom’s over 30 years of experience — peppered in along with a bit of light humor as well. After all, this is supposed to be fun right!?
How long do I have access to the Sessions?
If you purchase the Course you have unlimited access to the sessions — you can watch them anytime, as often as you like. If you move into The Neighborwood, you have access to the Course, and all our Courses (along with many other benefits), as long as you remain a Neighbor. If you decide to move out, you can always later purchase any Course to which you want forever access.
What do I need to access the Sessions?
All you need is a device with internet connectivity, such as a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, etc. In addition, it is necessary to use the Chrome browser to consistently navigate the more sophisticated scripts on present on membership sites.
I’m not very tech savvy… is it easy?
You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to access every session. We are here to help you figure it out so worry not.
Are the sessions downloadable, or available on any other storage media?
For many reasons we have chosen to make them available via an online platform only.
FULL-SIZE PLANS FAQs
What kind of information do the Plans provide?
These are printed copies of Tom’s original design, hand-drawn plans, just like he makes for himself before building most projects. They note all the specifications, dimensions and helpful points of view for completing the piece.
Is there information provided about the materials I’ll need and how much?
Yes, in fact each set of plans comes with a cut list, and recommendations for finishing as well.
How big are the plans?
They are printed onto 36×48 sheets and will arrive at your door in a tube which assists with safe delivery and also provides a sturdy receptacle for future storage.
We choose to deliver in a tube versus folding the Plans so you do not have to deal with creases that impact your view of the contents on the page.
Does Tom create these using CAD?
No, he hand draws every component of the elements included on the Plans. He has worked with SketchUp in the past and though he knows it to be a great tool, prefers depicting curved elements in particular by hand.
Can I get the plans in digital format?
Good question, however we do not provide our Plans in digital format. It’s one small way we attempt to maintain the integrity of the intellectual property withing the project build experience.
Rather, we prefer to offer the physical product so the parts you will be making to fulfill the project are represented in actual size.
SUPPORT DURING THE BUILD
What if I have questions during the Course?
No problem, this is why we have The Neighborwood community which gives you access to Tom and many fellow woodworkers via a private forum.
You can post your questions in the Private Forum and get input directly from Tom and other Neighbors as needed. In fact, you can even ask question about any project you’re working on, and post pictures of your completed work for everyone to celebrate with you!
I’m not very tech savvy, is the Forum tricky?
Not at all, and we’re happy to help you learn how to use it. We’re all learning as we go, and once you get the hang of it… you’ll love it!
How can I learn more about The Neighborwood?
If you’re curious for how it all got started, and how it works, click here.
If you’re looking more for logistics and how to purchase, click here.
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