 Starting
with a red oak log, Jim splits it into quarters and then continues
to split or rive it with a Kent hatchet and a Froe. The Froe is
an ancient knife/hatchet which is used to control the direction
in which the log is splitting. Once the pieces are close to the
right dimensions, they are shaped into spindles with a Drawknife
and a Spokeshave.
The
most popular Windsor, the Sackback, has a bow and arm which are
also rived from the log. The pieces are placed in a steam box
and, once heated, are bent to the final shape on a bending form.
 The
seat is made from two inch pine planks. It requires a number of
tools which are rarely seen in a modern work- shop. The edges
are shaped with a Drawknife and Spokeshave. The top surface is
scooped out with a Gutter Adze which quickly removes large chips.
Then a Scorp, which is a curved drawknife, carves more smoothly.
A Compass Plane cleans up some of the rough grooves left by the
Adze and Scorp. A Travisher is another curved knife tool which
is used.
 The
next step is drilling the some forty five holes for the legs and
spindles. Like the rest of the tasks, this is done with an unusual
tool. A Spoon bit is a special, old fashioned bit which can drill
holes in very small diameter arm and bow pieces. The very tricky
compound angles require protractors and sightlines.
Jim buys the legs already turned by a Pennsylvania Craftsman.
He explains that even in the eighteenth century, chair makers
purchased chair parts from specialists because it was cheaper
and more efficient.
While there are many styles, the main features that define a Windsor
are a solid carved seat, a spindle back and legs that are wide
splayed. The Windsor is probably so called because of their use
at Windsor Castle in Britain. First the chairs were for the very
wealthy, but by 1800 they were for everyone. While they may look
delicate, their construction is so clever that they have lasted
for centuries.
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