Wrapped up another chair this month. This is a side chair, made from Twin Cities-area red oak, finished with black milk paint and a coat of oil. This is a new design for me. I wanted to give it some extra visual interest, so I kept the outer two sticks somewhat thicker and offset them from the rest. I think this suggest a sturdier, more form-fitting back than if I had six identical sticks at the same angles. I laid out the curves for the backrest using the same segment of a French curve that I used for shaping the pommel on the seat, so they echo each other.
I used my usual finish routine of milk paint and oil. I like how the milk paint appears mostly uniform from a distance, but lets the wood grain show through from certain angles and under certain light.
As always, the leg and stretcher joinery is comprised of wedged through-tenons for strength. The chair is glued up with hide glue, which is easily reversible if repairs are needed in the future.
