I used a 3/8" radius round over bit to shape the stretchers. To avoid tear-out where cutting (nearly) end grain in some areas, I made multiple passes, slowly raising the bit until I had a full round over.
More scraper work to remove burn marks and to soften edges.
Another dry fit to see how all the parts were looking when assembled.
There's still more sanding to do before glue-up, but I thought I'd see how well strap clamps would do here before jumping right to a more elaborate clamping setup. The straps seemed to work just fine to pull all the joints tight.
One little detail on the inspiration chair: even the shoulders on the front stretcher are rounded, creating a shadow line. I don't think I've ever seen this on another chair (or maybe the detail just didn't register). I like the look, but I'm not sure I should try it on my chair. I think I'll make a dummy stretcher with that detail and see what it looks like before deciding.
This chair is likely to sit outside, and I'll soon need to settle on a finish. I definitely want some kind of oil topcoat (easily re-coated later), and I'd really like to show off that white oak grain with some stain. Stains are not my forte, so I welcome any suggestions on what finishes to use.
It’s looking really nice, Ross. All of that shaping of the legs and stretchers really paid off.
I wonder if the rounded stretcher shoulders was intended to make assembly slightly more forgiving, or if it was purely aesthetic. It does have a softening effect, but I’m not sure I would have noticed it, at least not initially.
yeah id stay with an oil finish for sure, last thing you wanna have do is sand all those contours. and a good applied once a year is fairly easy maintenance. ive always used penofin myself.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Looks great Ross! For my part, I don’t like the rounded shoulders. Breaks the continuity of the assembled piece.
I like GF Outdoor Poly for stuff that will set outside. For Oak I have used a sealcoat of shellac then applied gel stain pretty heavy-handed and let it sink into the grain. Then remove the shellac with alcohol and it will leave the grain darkened but the faces natural. Then topcoat. Definitely experiment on scrap though!
I wonder if the rounded stretcher shoulders was intended to make assembly slightly more forgiving, or if it was purely aesthetic. It does have a softening effect, but I’m not sure I would have noticed it, at least not initially.
Thanks, Ron. I wondered the same thing. Or, perhaps because the lower edge of the stretcher was very close to the bottom edge of the leg where it joins. Leaving it square might have left a visible sharp edge.
Pottz commented 2 days ago yeah id stay with an oil finish for sure, last thing you wanna have do is sand all those contours. and a good applied once a year is fairly easy maintenance. ive always used penofin myself.
Thanks for the suggestion, Pottz. I used Penofin on some outdoor furniture once upon a time. I wonder if I have any left? If I do, I'll try it on a scrap.
HokieKen commented 1 day ago Looks great Ross! For my part, I don’t like the rounded shoulders. Breaks the continuity of the assembled piece.
I like GF Outdoor Poly for stuff that will set outside. For Oak I have used a sealcoat of shellac then applied gel stain pretty heavy-handed and let it sink into the grain. Then remove the shellac with alcohol and it will leave the grain darkened but the faces natural. Then topcoat. Definitely experiment on scrap though!
Thanks, Ken. I appreciate the finishing suggestion. I'm reluctant to go with poly just due to the sanding required before a recoat. But I'll consider this.
