Baraboo Valley Windsor Chairs
by David Ogren
Windsor chairs and other fine furniture handcrafted in the 18th Century American Tradition
The Windsor era was that of the 18th century, a time where each chair was individually made by a highly skilled craftsman working out of a small shop. The combination of skill, technique and the use of superior materials produced sturdy comfortable chairs, many of which are still in use today. I use the same techniques and tools today 250 years later.
First, I use "riven" wood for backs, spindles and arms. This is wood that is hand-split with the grain (using an axe and a "froe") directly from a log. This produces parallel grain, far superior to "sawn" wood. Parallel grained wood obtained in this way is strong enough to support the sitter's weight, yet supple enough to flex with the sitter's movement. The "riven" wood is hand-shaped, steamed, then bent around a form to create the curved arms, bows and backs of my reproduction windsor chairs.
Second, all parts are hand-shaped and hand-fitted. Each windsor chair is assembled individually. Parts are joined with mortise and tenons, one of the strongest joints possible. For added strength, tenons are wedged permanently into place with locking wooden hardwood wedges.
Third, the undercarriage (legs and stretchers) are assembled in tension with the thick hand-carved seat. The flare and splay of the legs and the locked, tapered tenons in the seat produce a solid un-movable joint.
A note on materials:
If I were to make a cabinet, I could go to a lumber supplier or sawmill and obtain dimensional sawn lumber. To make a chair, (with the exception of the seat and legs), I must first get a high quality log. Then I work the log apart with wedges and maul, paring it down with drawknife and spokeshaves. I use locally grown, native hardwood logs.
Finishes:
My finishes consist of several layer of Milk Paint, followed by either oil, wax or poly coating depending on your wishes. Finishes are applied by hand.
