Chairmaking & Design

by Jeff Miller and Jeff Miller

Book Overview

A comprehensive guide to the rewarding craft of chairmaking The often-intimidating art of chairmaking is explained in this book of expert patterns and tips for creating seven elegant chairs. Through... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561581585
• ISBN13: 9781561581580
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.0" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Good book -- too bad its out of print

I looked all over the Internet for this book a while back and couldn't find it. Used sellers are charging way too much (over $100), so I finally just checked it out of the library (very available and no cost). This is a good book, and is the only one I know of with general chairmaking info that covers different chair types. The other chairmaking books I've seen seem to be specific to Windsor chairs. I would like to see more books like this ... until then get this one from the library.

Excellent resource and reference for personal projects

I attended my first workshop (on making tables) at Jeff Miller's studio in the summer of 2003. I purchased this book shortly after completing the class. This book is a fantastic way to take Jeff's clear, creative teaching skills home, and has absolutely everything you need to know in order to build chairs, especially if you're doing it on your own and don't have a master craftsperson to call on for help. I have referred to this book time and again, and am sure other furniture makers will find Jeff's concise but thorough style a terrific and worthwhile addition to both bookshelves and workbenches.

Pretty much all you could ask

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.

First rate

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.

The essential guide to chairmaking.

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.