How to make Windsor chair spindles using green (unseasoned) wood.
I like making the windsor chair spindles, and I always rive (split) them out from the log, so that the grain of the wood goes from one end of the spindle to the other - this makes it incredibly strong. I always think of the best chair making like racing bikes - you make the parts as light and as strong as is humanly possible. Riven wood is always the strongest as there is no grain run out. Commercially sawn wood does not follow the grain, and so splits where the grain 'leaves the side' and 'runs out' - there is no run out with riven wood so its a lot stronger. As a result you can make spindles that taper to around three eights of an inch - which can make a chair look incredibly delicate, and in itself a beautiful art form, as well as pleasing everyday object to use in your home.
Its important to get a nice smooth finish on the spindles, and I use a variety of scrapers for this. I hope you enjoy the video and please let me have any questions or comments. Harry