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by
Cathy Dalrymple
photos: Brenda Falvey |
BENT INTO SHAPE (part 2) |
Go on a Bender
Benders are those chair parts that arc in a graceful curve,
and you need to make this happen with gentle persuasion over
your knee. Don’t apply too much pressure all at once or
the parts will break. Work along the length of each one about
every five inches, applying pressure in stages. This can be
done ahead of time, before tying the pieces to preserve the
bend. Secure the benders with galvanized or stainless steel
finishing nails. And don’t forget to drill pilot holes.
Attach a single arm bender to
each side of the chair with a clamp or partially driven nail.
Adjust the arm and try it for fit—about 26" to 28"
from the bottom is a good height.
Once you’re satisfied with
the fit of that piece of arm, secure the pieces permanently
and carry on with the rest of the arm benders, securing them
first behind the front cross braces, then along their length
with pilot holes and finishing nails. Cross over the second
and subsequent benders as you move up the arm and make the transition
from a vertical to horizontal orientation. Secure the arm bender
to the arm nailer. Leave the benders long; you can cut them
later.
Hoop Benders
These form the outer edges of the backrest. Attach them now,
beginning on the inside of the top seat cross braces, at a point
closest to the back legs. Arc the bender up to the top crosspiece,
then loop across and connect to the other side of the chair
in the same way. The second hoop attaches like this too, except
ahead of the first one, on the top seat cross brace. Repeat
the process for the rest of the hoop benders.
Secure the Seat Bars
Arrange your seat bars across the frame, placing any thinner
ones to-ward the centre. Space the seat bars equally, attaching
them to the front and rear seat braces.
Back Benders
The back benders fill in the backrest area and are attached
to the back bender brace and the top crosspiece, then to the
hoop benders. Divide the distance between the top of the hoop
and the top of the cross piece into thirds. These are the points
at which the back benders fasten. Begin with the five on one
side, then repeat the process on the other side.
Once the chair is complete, wash
it down with Murphy’s Oil Soap, then allow the wood to
dry for a couple of months before applying a finish. A clear,
thinned urethane works well, bringing out the colour nicely.
Any twig furniture should be kept out of direct sun and rain
in order to preserve it. Now that you’ve done your first
piece, the rest will come more easily! |
| You
will need: |
| PART |
SIZE |
QUANTITY |
| Back
legs |
1
1/2" - 2" dia. x 28" |
2 |
| Front
legs |
1
1/2" - 2" dia. x 12" |
2 |
| Side
& cross braces |
1
1/4" dia. x 22" |
6 |
| Rear
seat cross brace |
2"
dia. x 20" |
1 |
| Back
cross braces |
1
1/4" - 2" dia. x 16" |
2 |
| Back
bender braces |
1
1/4" - 2" dia. x 14" |
1 |
| Top
cross member |
1
1/2" dia. x 28" |
1 |
| Armrest
nailer |
1
1/4" dia. x 20" |
1 |
| Front
& seat braces |
1
1/2" dia. x 24" |
5 |
| Arm
benders |
3/4"
dia. x 60" |
10 |
| Hoop
benders |
3/4"
dia. x 96" |
5 |
| Seat
bars |
3/4"
- 1" dia. x 20" |
13 |
| Back
benders |
1/2"
dia. x 40" |
10 |
| Finishing
nails * |
1",
1 1/4", 2" |
1/2
lbs. each |
| Deck
screws |
#8,
2" & 2 1/2" & 3" long |
15
each |
| Bup
washers ** |
#8 |
45 |
*
galvanized or stainless steel
** brass |
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PART 1 | PART 2 | PART
3 |
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