More of a Good Thing

 Here are some pictures of another rocking chair.  This one is pretty much a shield seat Comb Back, much like the Philly Comb Back.  The rockers are actually the ones that began life as the rockers for the other rocker.  I mis-measured the rockers for that rocker but they fit great for this one.

 I like the other chair, the Heirloom Rocker but the turnings on this one are really nice and make for a more classic looking rocker.  The finish is black on red with only one thin coat of black.  I wanted more red to come thru and while this happens when the sun hits it, it really looks like a reddish brown, which is really pretty.

 I don't really consider myself a great carver, but these knuckles came out nice.  One admission, I use a rasp and file and a scraper more than I care to admit, but I remember a quote from Sam Maloof who said I use whatever tool is the best, be it a chisel or my teeth.  This is essentially my theory on tools.

In some ways the rocker is easier to leg up than a regular chair, and I think a lot easier than a box stretcher chair, that is to say one with four rungs like my rodbacks.  I drill and ream the holes, insert the legs and then mark where the rockers will land using a 1/2" thick plywood pattern.  I then clamp the leg upright and use a router and a 1/2" bit to cut the slots.  It fits great and is much more accurate then a handsaw and chisel.  Another example of the best tool for the job.

 This is a tricky cut (the pic on the right) to make but it really does add a lot to the ears.  It thins them so they are the same thickness top to bottom and also give a nice shadow line on the back.  On the left you see the volute.  One thing I try to do is have the point on the horn point back towards to the chair.  Subtle but it does make a difference.

I was happy with the way this chair came out, it is really comfortable.  The back spindles flex and the crest supports your head perfectly.  A great chair to rock a baby...the only problem is staying awake!  At the show in Rockland a few weeks back, people seemed surprised at how comfortable they are, several people commented that oh, they are comfortable for a wooden chair.  I received several orders, which is the best part.