Using a Router and Hand Tools to Shape a Seat.

I’ve used routers many times to do the bulk removal of wood when shaping a solid seat. But, I’ve never done it totally freehand like I do in this video. In the past I’ve made large patterns that a router-on-sled would follow with a collar. Each subsequent pattern requires a different depth of cut and what you end up with is something that reminds me of the tiers of a quarry that undulate along the natural path of the topography, concentrically. It really makes you feel like a human CNC machine. Then, using hand tools, the squared tiers left by the router are scooped out and blended in a systematic fashion.

Because I was making only one of these benches, I decided to forgo the time and trouble of making a series of patterns that would guide the router. Instead I thought more about the order of cuts and how I could make cuts without also removing the surface the router needs to ride on. With large 1” diameter straight cutting bit that was short and sharp, I had no problem with the router getting away from me. I laid out the lines based on my drawing, and began cutting.

Once the routing was complete, the scorp came in most handy. My dad had taken some classes at Mike Dunbar’s school around the year 2000 and came back with detailed pictures and notes of how Dunbar trains students in shaping seats. Although I’ve never studied with Dunbar, there are probably some similarities in technique, but also major differences, hence, the router. The compass plane was used to slope the seat towards the back where the deepest router cut had been made. The spokeshave helped smooth out the rough compass plane and keep me on track to a flat, sloped, surface that blends smoothly into the deep pocket in the rear.

Watch the video and see for yourself!
Thanks,
Dave

-- http://www.davidmoorefurniture.com, www.magport.net