Making a chair from a walnut tree by hand

22 years ago I planted a walnut. It grew into a tree but had become a bit unwieldy and needed coppicing. Following an inspiring steam bending course with Peter Lanyon and after reading Mike Abbot’s tremendous book Going with the Grain, I decided it was time to use the tree to make a chair. This is certainly not fine woodworking but I love the way this style of green woodworking keeps the spirit of the tree in the finished product. The project reminds me that material can be found (quite literally) in our own backyard. It felt like some kind of achievement to see something grow from walnut to chair. I hope you find the film relaxing and enjoyable.
Peter Lanyon courses - www.peterlanyonfurniture.co.u...
Mike Abbot's book - goingwiththegrain.org/books-b...
Cindy and Ed Hammond, How to weave a seat - • How to Weave a Seat in...

[@austin12ascot]

What I would give to own this chair. I love handmade rustic items. Every one is slightly different and unique.

[@watchful1168]

Wonderful!

[@jonparrott1000]

Just clicking like doesn't seem enough. That is a beautiful chair. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks for your comment Jon. It's much appreciated.

[@mcba]

Lovely stuff!

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks

[@smileyface852]

It’s crazy how a seed you planted 22 years ago created the wood to help you build that chair. It’s so beautiful.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks for your kind comment

[@joshuadelisle]

Great job. I enjoyed this very much. Cheers J

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@treecuttertam]

Very beautiful chair. Excellent craftsmanship.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks.

[@jimbo2629]

You got all the angles right. The perfect chair.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks, it's certainly comfortable.

[@Global_Epicurean]

Wow
Wow. 3. Wow

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Really glad you liked it. Thanks.

[@AaseRDA1]

Wow, Jon! I really liked this - and also enjoyed the birds singing ... I want to sit on it in your garden ...

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks Aase. Hope you are enjoying the boat build!

[@BAILEYWOODWORKS]

That is a labor intense project! It is sad that everything is made in automation now from cheap products. Thanks for making this video! awesome to see the process with no power tools!

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Really appreciate your comment. Yes, it's a very different experience working like this and I really enjoyed it.

[@elsenielsen6765]

What I allways dreamt of 👍👏

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Tusen takk, Else. Good luck with your projects.

[@williamhector6863]

Fantastic. I first got into wood turning by making things with green wood And promised myself I make a Windsor chair but never did you may have just Geared me up to approach it again. I really enjoyed this video keep them coming

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks, William. If you've not come across Mike Abbot's books I really recommend them. Good luck.

[@peterellis4262]

Beautiful.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks

[@osu122975]

Really cool

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks for you comment.

[@stirwoodcraft]

Beautiful video 💛

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thank you!!

[@BrickhouseCraftWorks]

Truly amazing, Jon! That was some incredible craftsmanship!
Thanks for sharing.
Seth

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks Seth. Good luck with all your projects.

[@vaseemsyed7923]

I am very happy, from India

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@larietournelle7904]

Nice video !

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks, Larie glad you enjoyed it.

[@BernhardMasterson]

Hello from the Pacific Northwest of North America. I love this! I'm inspired. I found your channel through your boat build. As a hand tool aficionado, amateur boat builder, spoon carver, and orchardist we have some things in common. Professionally, I am a cob builder, so the background architecture also gets my full attention.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Wow. Cob is so cool. We have many cob houses in Devon. I had no idea there is a cob tradition in the Pacific North West. That sounds amazing.

[@BernhardMasterson]

@@jonsealwoodturning4673 What we have here isn't traditional. It was started by a Welch man in the late 80s, but there are quite a number of dedicated builders, teachers, and owner builders.

[@outlaweric]

dude, you had me at that woodbending jig. damn! im stealing that idear, right there! lol

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

👍

[@kornwoods]

thank you for your story and for sharing it with us ;)

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kornwoods]

@@jonsealwoodturning4673 Thank You 🙏🏾😊

[@richardparsons7012]

Having a look at this after finding, and following the boat build. I like your bending frame. What a mad ensemble of clamps.

[@richardparsons7012]

And, of course, the chair is lovely too.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks 👍

[@peterlanyon4135]

Lovely chair Jon, I'm glad you got so much out of the steam bending course. Thanks for the credit!

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks Peter. The course was tremendous in a really beautiful setting. I urge anyone who enjoys this kind of woodworking to take a good look at Peter's courses - they're a real inspiration!

[@mikeabbott]

@@jonsealwoodturning4673 Peter's course certainly sent you in the right direction

[@timhalcomb4041]

Enjoy the billed thank you for sharing you have a blessed day in the name of Jesus

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Hi Tim. Really glad you liked it. Happy New Year.

[@jimbo2629]

White walnut used to be called satinwood in Edwardian times. It is lovely to work with

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

That's a really appropriate name. I loved working it.

[@jimneely4527]

I have been watching videos of chair making to go with the rustic natural edge table I am preparing to build. I would like to borrow some of the design that you have created. Thank you for sharing.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Hi Jim That's great, thanks. I recommend Mike Abbot's book, Going With The Grain. It's a fantastic and detailed guide to green woodworking and very well written. Look forward to seeing some pictures of the chair and table.

[@stevenhamer6810]

What kind of walnut is this? Looks like birch.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

I grew the tree from a walnut which I collected many years ago and we harvest a good crop of walnuts from it every year and they taste very good.

[@ahab7898]

I love the whole circle approach. I'm interested in making a shave horse, having recently carved my first spoon. Any advice? And the mallet you used to drive the splitting wedge I assume you made yourself. Is it oak at the business end? Thanks!

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Definitely go for it. I recommend any of Mike Abbots books - they're fantastic. One of the joys of green wood working is that its so low tec.

[@markpeterman]

What is the finish you applied? Is it just tung oil?

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Hi I used Danish oil which works well for me on furniture.

[@rexthompson8518]

Of Course you're not the only one. But I believe that you may take criticism, without taking offence. So please instead of playing background music, I would much prefer to hear the birds sing and all the other natural sounds.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

That's a very good point and I think I agree, having watched it back.

[@dominictaylor6265]

Nice story. Well-made chair. But get the terms right. This is a heavy pruning- coppicing is at ground level. Your video is education so needs the correct terminology. Thanks and please don’t take offence.

[@jonsealwoodturning4673]

Thanks for the advice. Too late to change it now but I'll get it right next time. Thanks.