Peach State Fall 2011 Program on Chairs - Final Report

jprconsulting

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The Peach State Chapter of SAPFM fall meeting was held September 10-11 and attended by 28 members who heard talks and saw demonstrations on period chair making.  Jim Conley from the Virginia Chapter was the featured presenter with his Chippendale chair and he was joined by our own David Coker showing his transition chair in its state of near completion.   

Jim?s presentation included taking measurements and establishing the layout of a period arm chair, making period nails and screws, how to make rubbings and the use of modeling clay and plaster to make impressions of carvings.  He also gave us a detailed discussion of the process which he uses to make all of the chair?s joints and how he fit the side rails to both the front and rear legs.  Jim, however, was not able to tell us how to convenience the museum curators to allow the use of modeling clay to make impressions from the originals.

David Coker discussed his chair construction and design.  While Jim mainly used hand tools, David used various jigs and templates to make the tenon and mortise cuts with machines.  The contrast in approach was informative and helpful.

Jim Milam gave a report on mid-year 2011 SAPFM meeting in Connecticut and discussed options we might explore if the Peach State Chapter ever wanted to host the event.

Show and tell was exceptional as always.  Not as many projects as in the past, but the quality continues to be amazing.  Marion Smith featured his Georgia Piedmont sideboard which is a copy of on in the one in the Georgia governor?s mansion.  Jay Stallman returned with his completed Newport chest that was featured in talks in the spring.  He also has completed a piecrust tea table.  Ken Carpenter had his piecrust table, as did Jim Milan. All three were based on the book Making a Piecrust Tea Table by Tom Heller & Ron Clarkson.  Differences in final results were interesting to see.  We could have had a real tea party here.  Jim Milan also included his Newport tea table.  Part of the story on that table was he had built it earlier but only had a photo to work from.  In the process of making measurements, he got the proportions incorrect and the piece suffered from the differences.  Jim got more accurate measures, and was able to save the top, and completely re-build the piece.  It looks great now.

Our local merchants continue to support our door prizes and we appreciate their contributions.

Much to his embarrassment, Ken Johnson was recognized for his contributions to the programs and on-going activities.  In addition to a nice calligraphy inscription, he received a Lie-Nielsen shoulder plane. 

Plans are underway for the next event.  Excitement is in the air, sawdust is flying.

Photos of event to follow.
 
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