Continuous Arm Windsor Chair

First made in New York City in the late 18th century, the continuous arm's one-piece back with its compound bend is an American design innovation. Seat: One-piece white pine boards, sawn from huge logs over 30″ inches in diameter, are my choice for seats. When painted with milk paint the growth rings in white pine raise. These subtle elliptical lines telegraph through the paint, adding visual interest to the seat's surface. Legs: Sugar maple, one of the strongest North American hardwoods, is ideal for traditional chair legs. Virtually imporous, it holds the crisp details of baluster turnings without crumbling. Back Spindles and Bow: Oak is strong and flexible, it splits predictably and bends well — it is perfect for chair backs. Stories: The building of a handmade chair is a personal process. With the delivery of each chair order, the customer will receive a short story that I wrote about their chair. Each story is a personal memento of the chairmaking process, a moment in the chair's birth, preserved in words. Some of these stories may be posted on my blog for others to enjoy.