Woodworking Articles & Tips
PROJECT PLAN - SCULPTED DINING CHAIR
Designed and created by Kevin Inkster
Enjoy using Arbortech woodworking tools creatively by following the instructions to make this sculpted dining/office chair.
The secret to using Arbortech woodshaping tools creatively, is to follow the instructions for the marking out and blocking up of the rough shape and then to use your own imagination and intuition for the final shaping. The profiles in Diagrams 1 and 2 act as a rough guide, but do not be too concerned as you may use your own intuition when finalising the shape.
Read through the instructions carefully before beginning the Project.
Tools needed:
- Arbortech Woodshaping Tools
- Suitable Angle Grinder
- Arbortech flexible sanding kit (if available or other sanding
method, plus sand paper)
- Jig-saw
- Gluing clamps.
Cutting
List : Click here to view and print a copy of the cutting layout guide. Method: 1. Take the full size cutting template and glue it onto cardboard before cutting the pieces out. It will now be easier to trace around the profile onto the plywood sheet.
|
 |
2. Trace the profiles of each component onto a sheet of 12mm plywood as per the suggested layout for cutting, note the cutting list on this page for the correct numbers of each component. It is possible to save material by placing the components closer together, but make sure that you have enough room for jig or band sawing. NOTE: multiples of any individual component must always be oriented the same way in relation to the grain to maintain uniformity in the finished piece. 3. Cut out the individual components using a jig-saw or band saw 4. Glue the components into separate blocked sections as per Diagram 3. Do not attempt to glue all pieces together at once if you do not have access to sufficient clamps. The success and appearance of this piece is dependent on good glue lines, so a little patience at this stage is worthwhile. 5. Glue the blocked sections to Section A starting with Sections J, B and F. Ensure that the glue has firmly set before removing the clamps. Continue the process moving out from Section A. This process may take several days if you are using a slow setting glue, but patience and care at this time will be well rewarded. 6. Shaping can be achieved very quickly using the Arbortech Woodcarver and Pro-Guard. Make sure your grinder has the auxiliary handle fitted and that the grinder's metal guard is correctly fitted at 45 degrees. We recommend the use of the Arbortech Pro-Guard together with the Woodcarver because of added safety , and also because accidental overcutting can be prevented by setting the depth of cut. It is also much more pleasant work if the chips are directed away from you rather than down your collar. 7. The secret to shaping three dimensionally is to begin by viewing the piece as a whole. Work evenly from all directions, gradually coming down to the final shape. Do not overwork any one section, but regularly step back to view your progress . There is no need to measure, if it looks right to the eye, it is right. 8. Sanding is reduced considerably by achieving the best possible finish using the Arbortech Woodcarver. Setting the Pro-Guard to a shallow depth of cut can be very useful in the final stages of shaping as it prevents accidental overcutting. An angle grinder fitted with a rubber backed sanding disc is the best way to finish shaping after using the Arbortech Woodcarver. The Arbortech Grinder Sanding Kit (SAN100) is designed for just this purpose. Aggressive sanding is done using an 80 grit sanding disc and then moving progressively to finer grades. It is not necessary to have the metal guard fitted to the grinder during sanding however, as always, we recommend normal eye and breathing protection. 9. Finish with ArborWax or ArborOil, or a wax polish or brush applied varnish by choice.
Copyright © Arbortech Industries Limited 2000 =========================================== Reprinted with permission from http://www.arbortech.com.au |
