Now that the spines and the rocker/stretcher assembly are finished, it’s time to build the seat for the porch rocker. The seat will take 20 mahogany slats curving from the bottom to the back and attached to the spines with brass flat head screws.
Before cutting the slats to the proper length, the half-inch mahogany boards have to be planed to a 5/16th thickness. Each 8-inch board will yield three 1.5- inch slats.
Once the slats are rough cut, they’re run through the router to shape the edges.
Some light sanding (no slivers for our tushies!) and they’re ready for the drill press. A simple jig helps position each slat so the holes for the screws match properly.
Then comes final assembly. The back spines are held steady by clamps while slats are attached one by one. Pilot holes are drilled, screws inserted and it’s on to the next slat. The spacing has to be precise, both for fit and aesthetics.
With the exception of the slats in the curve between the back and the seat, the slats fit easily. This area requires a little extra engineering with a filler underneath the slats to help ease through the bend. Sometimes, a crack will open from the pressure, but a little glue, a little clamp time and it’s magic!
Next time: the completed rocker. I bet you wondered if we’d ever get there.
I am amazed at your (and your husband’s) skills!
Your husband has quite the workshop! I hope he never gives you sh!t about your stash and/or knitting paraphernalia.
Your Jack is a truly fabulous and talented man.
He’s building you a wheel next, right?!
With his talent, skill, and equipment, he should be able to build you a wheel than not only spins, but plies and skeins automatically…
I can hardly wait to see the finished rocker. I showed my DH your photos and he whimpered. LOL
Is there a wheel in the works?