Welcome

Welcome to my blog.  First let me say I am not a journalist and really never had an interest in writing until recently.  My last writing class (high school) was almost four decades ago, and I sometimes have a hard time remembering things from last week let alone thirty eight years ago.  So please take it easy on me. 

Fifteen years ago I started out building furniture more or less as a Cabinetmaker, in my spare time.  I was making end tables, night stands, side boards, cabinets, desks, beds, lamps, and the like for family members and friends, (read free).  However, over the last three years, I have been working almost exclusively as a Chairmaker, in my spare time for family members, friends, and charitable events, (read free again) .  I have been making Windsor chairs in particular.  I have also been working on a prototype chair and stool for guitar players. 

A chair is the piece of furniture that we have the most interaction with.  A chair must be pleasing to the eye, inviting you to sit down.  It must be attractive from all points of view.  It must be made to last, able to take the daily stresses put upon it.  Most of all it must be comfortable!  Chairs are designed for specific tasks, such as dining, or relaxing to mention a couple.  Each task presents the maker with a different set of design elements and criteria.
 
My hope is that this blog will be informative.  That there will be a  two way free flow of information on subjects such as; methods of construction, shop discoveries, finishing, tools, tool makers, random musings, to mention just a few.  My wish is that this free flow will remain respectful, informative, and not overly serious.  I realize that something that works for me may not be another persons preference.  It is my hope that the ideas put forth here will interest you and maybe present a different way of looking at things.  I look forward to sharing my discoveries with you and hearing of yours.

Ray