Why Turn

In the hey day of windsor chair making, chair shops would frequently have the local turner produce all their turnings. This was the beginning of division of labor and specialty skills that we see in manufacturing today.

There are shops today that specialize in turned wood products and chairmakers that will produce turnings for others, myself included. Many chairmakers take advantage of these sources either because they lack the equipment and skill or to help expedite the production of their chairs.

I frequently get asked if we (Priscilla and I) make the entire chair in our shop. Although we could probably do a lot of things to speed up the process, we enjoy and take pride in producing reproductions of a classic American piece of furniture from start to finish.

Tags: turning

Comment by Rick Lasita on December 4, 2010 at 8:49am: Hey wait. That doesn't look like a treadle lathe to me :)

Comment by Fred Dudak on December 5, 2010 at 6:39pm: That doesn't look like the proper PPE for turning!

Comment by Michael C. Borgeest on December 27, 2010 at 7:49pm: All I can say is "lathe envy" is a terrible affliction. Who goes from a basic Jet, to a killer Powermatic! Fred, that's who.

Comment by Ralph Quick on February 17, 2011 at 9:42pm: Hello Fred, while watching your video on turning, I was wondering what speed you had your lathe set at? I have noticed that you and another turner I was watching his video recently, both you Guy's have your fingers really close to the rest. With my luck, I'd get one of my 10 thumbs pulled into it and spun around like a dog chasing his own tail. Turning IS NOT my best skill when making parts.

Comment by Fred Chellis on February 18, 2011 at 9:21am: Hey Ralph,

I thought I would get a few pics and videos on the site to show how much is really involved in making a chair. That there are Chairmakers out there that are starting with logs and rough boards and are crafting chairs from start to finish with their own hands. Not a kit!!

Anyway, in my video I am turning at about 1500 rpm. On the longer pieces stiles, spindles etc. I hold the rotating piece to prevent vibration.

Comment by Ralph Quick on February 19, 2011 at 12:44am: Thanks Fred. Like I said, the turning is the only part of Windsor chair making that I do not care for. I probably would like it better if my lower back did not hurt so bad afterwards.

I also thought I'd pass on a little information to everyone on your blog regarding shows and events and what items Caron and I take with us that is a really good selling item. We make the 3 legged type, 12" milking stools and we also make a 12" tall Heart Shaped Stool that we tell people it is great for the childs first "Time-Out" chair. Even though "Sunshine" is upset because they were made to sit in the corner, they have the heart of Grandma or Mom to sit on. We sell the hecjk out of them in our shop and especially at shows and events. It usually does make us the money for gas to do a show since we rarely have people come to a show with the intent to buy a Windsor chair and lug it around with them. Just thought the tip would help some of the Guy's just getting into doing shows and what have you. Thanks for the advise regarding the lathe speed. Still, having my fingers that close to the tool rest makes me nervous. I have one of those stableization deals to prevent the vibration while I turn. A bit costly but well worth it to me.

Comment by Ralph Quick on February 19, 2011 at 12:51am: Here is a photo of the Heart Stools we make. The smaller 12" size ones really sell good for us and is a good seller at our shop. Kids do like them, at least until they have to use it for a "time-out" stool. Ha! Ha!

Comment by Rick Lasita on February 19, 2011 at 6:43am: Very nice looking stools Ralph. We had a gentleman come to our woodturners club here in Jackson last week and gave a great seminar on turning, beginning with the basic tools required for spindles (I took a lot of notes) bowls, and hollowing. I took what I learned, purchased a nice 1/2" oval skew, the only tool of the basics I didn't have, and turned a leg. Though I had some turning skills, it really helped listening and watching this guy and he pulled all the steps together. Again, very nice looking stools.

Why Turn

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