We've painted the red coats on our rocker in a few previous posts, so it's time for the black: Make sure you spoon the foam off the top of the paint. I do this every time I mix up paint. Some brands of paint have more foam than others. I'm trying to keep...
Chairmaking Tools and Supplies
Kiln Heaters
by Elia Bizzarri | Oct 15, 2016 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies, How-To, Kiln | 0 Comments
Part two of my three part kiln series. Kilns can be heated in two different ways. The heat source can run all the time, so that the temperature of the kiln is relative to the temperature of the air in your shop. Or the heat source can be controlled by a thermostat -...
Kiln Temps/Class Openings
by Elia Bizzarri | Aug 21, 2016 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies, Classes, How-To, Kiln | 0 Comments
A kiln dried tenon, an air-dried mortise, no glue and a sloppy fit: wait overnight and the tenon will swell so tight that you can't budge it. At least that is true where I live - I don't know what happens in the desert. Temperature How hot does your kiln need to be to...
New Rocker Beveling Tool/Your Feedback
by Elia Bizzarri | Jul 27, 2016 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies | 0 Comments
A year ago, teaching at Roy Underhill's school, a student was struggling to get his rocker bottoms beveled so they would touch the floor evenly. I said half-joking, "We need to add a outrigger onto the plane to ride on the other rocker." I was teaching in Portland...
Red oak for Chests
by Elia Bizzarri | Mar 7, 2016 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies | 0 Comments
Last week a local tree guy offered me a beautiful Northern Red Oak log, straight, clear, and no twist. He said it was 18" in diameter, which is the first time I can remember anyone underestimating the size of a tree: the butt log was 24" in diameter at the small end....
Free Tool, Free Forum, Upcoming Classes
by Elia Bizzarri | Feb 14, 2016 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies, Classes | 0 Comments
BEVEL BUDDY Several years ago a student sent me a .PDF file of a template for accurately setting a Sliding T-Bevel to any angle between 0-55 degrees. It was made by Wisconsin chair-maker Steven First, who has generously allowed me to post it on my links page. Similar...
Windsor Chair Classes & Lathe for Sale
by Elia Bizzarri | Dec 8, 2015 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies, Classes | 0 Comments
Classes in My Shop I have created a survey for you to help pick next year's classes in my North Carolina shop. There are four chair options (Fan Back, Loop Back, Continuous Arm and Comb Back) and seven different potential dates. In a couple weeks, I'll pick next...
Chairmaking DVD
by Elia Bizzarri | Sep 29, 2015 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies, Craft Films | 0 Comments
I am excited to announce my first how-to video, an 8 hour long DVD on building Curtis Buchanan's Continuous Arm Rocker. Published by Popular Woodworking, this two-disc set was filmed in beautiful high definition film by Joshua Farnsworth. I have them for sale on my...
17th Century Joinery Anyone?
by Elia Bizzarri | Aug 12, 2015 | Chairmaking Tools and Supplies | 0 Comments
I have a beautiful White Oak log, straight, clear, tight grain and no twist. It is probably ideal for Peter Follansbee-type joinery. I should be able to get some 8" panels out of it and maybe even wider. Contact me for more info or to place an order.
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