Process
Neil’s work begins with primary research into antique Welsh chairs. He studies historical examples, then refines his ideas and designs using CAD.
For materials, Neil sources local wood, prioritizing seasoned windfall, repurposed timber, and workshop waste.
He uses machinery to dimension the timber, but all shaping, carving, and construction is done by hand using traditional tools.
Every piece is assembled with traditional joinery. When glue is required, he uses non-toxic, vegan glues, and finishes each piece with a custom wax he makes himself from plant-based ingredients.
Construction
In Progress: Chair #30
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Preparation & Joinery: Materials are kept in square block dimensions through the initial cutting, scribing, and dry-fitting stages. Legs and stretchers are shaped, and tenons are split only after the initial fit is successful.
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Upper Assembly: The crest rail is leveled and centered using the central spindle as a 10-degree back angle reference point. Spindle mortises are then drilled from the top down to the seat in a single, continuous pass.
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Final Steps: Following a successful test fit of the crest rail, the seat and crest are carved to their final shape. Every tenon will be secured with glue and wedges during final assembly.