Due to the ease which freshly fallen lumber be worked with hand tools, green woodworking is an ages old process. Members of this class will principally using 16th and 17th century British Isles techniques transported by early immigrants to New England and Appalachia.

Participants will be involved in the process of making an Appalachian style ladder back chair frame using traditional hand tool techniques and a limited amount of machine work. Students will receive hands-on instruction in splitting native green tanoak (Lichocarpus Densiflorus) logs, shaping parts on a shaving horse with a draw knife and spokeshave, fitting joinery, and steam bending. The exchange of selected green wood parts for previously dried elements will allow each student to leave the workshop with a complete chair frame. Hemp or cotton webbing will be supplied for seat weaving at home, a process which will be demonstrated on the 5th day.

Dan Stalzer learned ladder back chair making from Drew Langsner and John Alexander. He studied for two years at the College of the Redwoods(now the Krenov School) Fine Woodworking Program. He has been teaching chair making classes since 1994 and he gratefully acknowledges all the sources of his inspiration.

The class will take place at the The Krenov School Fine Woodworking building, 440 Alger Street in Fort Bragg. Registration for this class will be handled by the Community Extension Office in Ukiah

https://www.mendocino.edu/student-life/activities/workshops

For more information about Dan Stalzer and his work visit his website at:

http://www.danswoodshop.com/

Dan put together a tool list for this class here  Greenwood Chair Tool List

…and here is a review from a former student of Dan’s class:

“2007 was our third trip to Fort Bragg to attend classes.  We had met Dan Stalzer the summer before and were impressed by his skills with hand tools and his teaching abilities.  When the then College of the Redwoods announced Dan’s class we jumped at taking it.  We were rewarded by both becoming long time GreenWood Chairmakers.  The combination of Dan’s vibrant personality and his teaching/technical skills were infectious.

Our 2006 experience with the three week “Tools and Techniques” and Jim Budlong had opened our eyes to the efficacy of hand tools.  The Stalzer experience caused both Norm, and I, to focus in on GreenWood, splitting mauls, froes, gluts, drawknives, spokeshaves and a little manual labor.  In both our homes, you will find our Stalzer Chair in a place of pride.”

Bob Simmons
Sun City West, AZ