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Ladder Back Chairmaking Class with Andy Glenn


  • Peter Galbert Chairmaker inc. 1 Front Street Rollinsford, NH 03869 US (map)

This class if full, please send an email to info@patergalbert.com if you want to be on the waitlist.

Enrollment for this class is open, if you wish to enroll please email info@petergalbert.com at that time. Spots filled in the order in which they are received.

We are excited to have Andy Glenn hosting class at the shop this fall!

Andy is a North Bennet School Alum and is the head of the The Woodworking School at Pine Croft (in Berea, KY). He is currently writing a book with Lost Art Press titled “Backwoods Chairs” about current makers in Central Appalachia still working in the post-and-rung chair tradition. Due out in early 2024.

This 6-day course will focus on all the aspects of post-and-rung chairmaking.  We'll discuss and take parts from the log, shave them to size with the drawknife, before drying them in the kiln.  The back posts are bent above the seat for comfort and aesthetics.  We'll cover all the important aspects of greenwood chairs, a process with which to design them, and cap the week by weaving in a hickory bark seat.  An ideal first green chair while still being plenty challenging and fun if it's your 50th.  Design inspired from traditional Appalachian ladder backs.  

Tuition is $1700 which includes all materials and most tools. Please see Tool List below for details.

Reservations will be first come first serve. A deposit of $600 is due upon enrollment.

For questions or to reserve a spot, contact info@petergalbert.com

Tool List:

Needed:

  • Drawknife

  • Spokeshave (Flat or Round bottomed, flat will be a little easier)

Recommended: (please bring – especially the first eight on this list – but don’t run out to purchase if you don’t own one yet)

  • pencil

  • utility or pocket knife

  • tape measure

  • sliding bevel gauges

  • tenon or dovetail saw

  • sharp chisel

  • pocket knife or (small) straight carving knife

  • claw hammer

  • handsaw (smaller crosscut saw - ideally a tenon saw, though most anything will do)

  • framing square or 24″ straight edge

  • deadblow or lump hammer

  • block plane

  • compass (scribe)

  • card scraper

We’ll use/cover, but not needed (please bring if you have them):

  • froe, maul and wedges

  • hatchet

  • power tenon cutters

  • bevel setting gauge or protractor

Earlier Event: October 21
Design Class!
Later Event: December 3
Modern Rocking Chair Class