Chairmaking & Design [Paperback]

Jeffrey Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2007

The often-intimidating art of chairmaking is explained in this book of expert patterns and tips for creating seven elegant chairs. Through each project, craftspeople learn increasingly complex skills that build upon each other, making the manual a complete education in all of the basic chairmaking techniques. The straightforward plans and methods make the designs—such as a child's ladderback chair and even armchairs—accessible for home woodworkers. Illuminating discussions of construction and design fundamentals, along with an appendix on oils and waxes to give projects the finishing touch, round out this exploration of the art of building comfortable chairs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There's nothing better on the market."  —Fine Woodworking

About the Author

Jeff Miller is a furniture designer, a craftsman, and the founder of Furnituremaking Workshops. His furniture appears in the decorative and industrial arts collection of the Chicago Historical Society. He lives in Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 199 pages
• Publisher: Linden Publishing; 2nd edition (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933502061
• ISBN-13: 978-1933502069
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Furniture
  • #23 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Furniture
  • #61 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Carpentry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential guide to chairmaking., December 4, 1999

By 

Thomas M. Hill (Salem, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chairmaking & Design (Paperback)

Right from the opening sentence you will know that you have purchased a well written book by a very experienced chairmaker. Jeff Miller's book is not just filled with terrific plans, instead an emphasis is placed on design. Design decisions, pitfalls, and compromises are all covered in detail. Great for the intermediate or advanced woodworker.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty much all you could ask, November 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Chairmaking & Design (Paperback)

This is really an excellent book for a woodworker seeking guidance with the particular challenges of chairbuilding.

Most chapters cover some particular chair of the author's creation. Don't worry about whether Miller's designs will appeal or not. Plans are included, but copying them really isn't the point. They're presented here as case studies in conceptualization and construction, with lessons that are widely applicable. For example, how to accurately lay out and cut angled tenons, how to obtain a flat surface on an otherwise curved leg, how to fashion a slip seat, etc. And throughout, Miller details a bunch of clever jigs and methods of work.

A caution: familiarity with the ABCs of furnituremaking and access to some modicum of shop stuff is assumed here. This isn't a beginning woodworking text, which only makes sense, given the subject.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First rate, December 15, 1999

By 

Steve Kratochwill (Evanston IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chairmaking & Design (Paperback)

I have attended several of Jeff's woodworking classes. He is not only a first rate woodworker, he is a first rate instructor. Even if you don't feel ready to try chair making, this book is worth having for the techniques you can learn.