Thanks for the Kudos. I’ll be putting more info. together on the Conoid chair in a few days. Been on vacation enjoying the beautiful Hawaii (Kaui) and meeting some of the local wood workers.

After sanding (most visible parts to 400 grit), the chairs got 3 coats of Maloof Poly Oil, burnish between coats with 4-0 wool. Then a final coat of Maloof Oil/Wax. Then a light burnish with 4-0 wool again. After that I pull out the pneumatic tools with flannel wheels and buff all over, a loose flannel wheel gets into the nooks and crannies. A little Liberon wax to finish them off. I don’t like to get them too shiny, so i go light on the Liberon wax.

I really like the way the Maloof product looks and feels. Very subtle feel. But lots of depth to the wood. Pops the color, contrast and figure nicely. The Maloof finish products are only available from Rockler. Link to the Rockler product listing by clicking here.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’ll keep the info. coming AFTER vacation …

I am, as usual, blown away by you work. This looks like a chair you shouldn’t be able to sit on!

Beautiful! Looks too good to sit on. How much time did you have to put into get it finished?

Stephen

Ladderbacks are some of my favorites as well. My wife and I both studied (and toiled) under Sensei Russ Filbeck’s tutelage, having made 2 of everything beginning with the 2 slat, then the 3 slat side chair, the 4 slat arm and finally 6 slat rockers. Whew! It was a long 2 year grind, but worth every minute of it. I feel like everything I learned during the process of making ladderback chairs gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle virtually any chair. For instance, this past year I designed and have been making Nakashima-inspired Conoid chairs in a variety of materials, such as Bubinga, Tasmainan Rose Myrtle, and perhaps the most widely produced version by George Nakashima – the Conoid Chair in American Black Walnut. The Conoid chair challenges every aspect of my skills, which is why it was so special to me.

Your continued participation in this blog will make it a success to every one who reads and contributes. Thank you again for your input.

I can certainly relate to what you’ve said. I am a “high tech refugee”. Was in software engineering and management for many (> 25) years. Like many engineers, I took up woodworking as a serious hobby. It offered me the opportunity to exercise my left and right brain equally. And you get the added benefit of seeing and touching something tangible when you are done. This is not typically possible with software engineering, as the final product is not a physical, tangible thing.

I feel I am fortunate, as I’ve had the opportunity to change careers, and to also bring my high tech skills and apply them to this art form. For instance, I use CAD and CNC tools to help with design and production challenges that save time and produce superior results. I will be posting more about the Nakashima Conoid chairs we recently began producing, as they are a perfect example of the convergence of manual techniques, power tools and technology to produce (I think anyway) a beautiful result.

Please visit us often. I appreciate your interest.

I took up the meat cutting trade for a period of time. I worked with my hands and my head to ensure that every piece of my raw material was transformed into its highest and best use. The skill I developed allowed me to honor the animal by eliminating waste.

Craftsmanship perfectly executed allowed for a predictable and efficient result. Maximizing use and reducing waste leads to realized profits. Missing from the formula was passion; after all, how many ways can you cut up an animal? I can tell you – not that many.

I have since left meat cutting to pursue a venture that will spark my creative passion. Unfortunately, I am afraid that pressure from society in the form of debts, burdens and obligations will prevent me from fully obtaining my goal until I am old and gray. Lets hope I make it that long!

Thanks for starting this one and I hope to be a regular here.

Thanks Mike.