It was my second day here at Hal Taylor’s Rocking Chair U and what a grand day it was! Today we focused on the rocking chair seat that we glued up yesterday as well as took a bit of R &R. I also got to do a bit of hands-on finishing work today!

The first step was to plane the seat and to make it easier this was done on Hal’s CNC machine. As a professional craftsman getting the mundane work out of the way as easily as possible is paramount. The CNC surely takes the body stress out of this part of the job.

Once the seat blank was planed to an even thickness the notches for the back legs were cut out on the tablesaw. Hal uses the Tenryu Gold Metal series saw blades because of the ease of feed they offer.

Continue reading 'Rocking Chair University Week – Day 2'

A couple of months ago my stars were aligned in favour and I had the opportunity to spend a week with Hal Taylor at his Rocking Chair University!

Hal has built almost 300 rocking chairs over the past 15 years and his attention to style and detail has led him to become internationally known for his quality workmanship. Influenced by both Sam Maloof and James Krenov Hal approaches his woodworking as he does life -with patience and in harmony. He crafts his unique chairs from the finest of woods and builds each one to be cherished for generations.

Hal has also taught hundreds of woodworkers to build their own chairs, many of whom have gone on to starting their own business building and selling rockers.

The Rockingchair University gives you the chance to spend a week with Hal, observing the building of one of his fine rocking chairs. Because the buyers of these chairs expect them to be handcrafted by Hal himself your participation is limited to observing, listening and helping with sanding and small tasks. Nonetheless, you walk away with a wealth of rocking chair building experience, a manual, templates, the confidence to build your own and above all, a great friend!

Continue reading 'Rocking Chair University Week – Day 1'

I recently turned this Ash bowl and it has become one of my favorites. The grain pattern is beautiful and the contrast between the cream colored summer wood and the darker shades of the winter wood, though subtle, is quite dramatic.

Almost 8″ in diameter and 1 3/4″ tall the bowl sports a flanged type rim of about 3/16″ thick that tapers to a 3″ base. It is finished with EEE Cream and Shellawax.

Here is a view from the top, offering a great view of the beautiful grain pattern:

Continue reading 'An Ash Bowl With A Flanged Rim'

I had the chance to visit the Moncton Woodshow this past weekend and had an awesome time! I always enjoy the show and found this one to be particularly good. There were several new exhibitors with products that we never seen displayed in this area before. As well, I met quite a few members of the Nova Woodturners and Atlantic Woodworkers clubs there. So many, in fact, it felt like Old Home week!

The Moncton Wood Show is part of the Canada Premiere Woodworking Shows that includes shows in Kitchener, London, Ottawa and Moncton. The photo above shows a view of half the show venue at the Moncton Coliseum.

The featured speaker this year was John Sillaots of the television show ‘In The Workshop’ fame. Though the show hasn’t been on for a few years John still ‘packs them in’! I caught his ‘Getting Better Tool Performance’ presentation which he spoke on how to use the tools in your shop to their full potential. He still shares his practical woodworking knowledge in the humorous style we always enjoyed in his shows. In fact, the only thing that I can see that has changed is that he no longer sports his famous moustache:

Continue reading 'The Moncton Wood Show 2008'