Sam Malof chair

[msw]

Hello,

This is my first project and I am trying to make the Sam Malof chair.  I have all of the tools or I think I do, the only component that I am missing is the wood. 

I am unsure of how to order the wood and how much to order.  I am interested in making the chair using Walnut but am unsure of the grade as well as the type of Walnut.

If you have did the chair before, I would appreciate any tips or ideas.

Thank you.

Moataz

 

[Dan Clermont]

Hi Moataz

Making a Maloof chair would be very challenging for a first project. Buy some cheap wood like alder and try to make a simple chair just to get a feel for it. After you've completed the chair use a spokeshave to round everything over if you wish.

You're gonna have to sit down with a pen and paper to design the chair and then determine how much wood you'll need

To buy wood you could try www.woodfinder.com

Dan Clermont

 

[Les]

I have to agree with Dan, that's a pretty tough first project.

As far as the lumber goes, check this out on WoodWeb.

Making a prototype out of cheaper wood is good advise as your walnut will not be cheap.

 

[poto]

I'm also heading toward a Maloof-style set of chairs. I began with a footstool (http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1794.0) and graduated to some tables (http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=4246.0). For a practice wood I highly recommend Pacific Coast Maple. It's pretty inexpensive, and some pieces have a really nice figure. It's also easy to work with. You'll definitely get your hand in, when it comes to working walnut or cherry.

Doing some smaller pieces will give you practice with the joinery and shaping, and help you get a sense of proportion and curvature. Plus, you'll have a few nice pieces to sit around the house while you're getting ready for the big jobs!

Good luck, and have fun!

Poto

 

[Bill Wyko]

I believe if you contact tautons publications you can get a dvd about Mr Maloof. Did you know He's in his 90's and still works 6 days a week.
BTW his name has 2 o's ;D

 

[poto]

They sell the Taunton Maloof video at Rockler, in case that's more convenient. That's what got me started on his joint.

 

[Bill Wyko]

That guy makes it look soooo easy. He builds a chair in a few days or less. Me, it would be more like a few months.......or more. ;D

 

[roadking06]

He also gets about $50K for those chairs.

For about $75K he'll stop what he is doing in the shop, and guarantee shipment in 9 months of a cradle for a baby.

That old man makes some damn beautiful work. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, in a past life Sam Maloof probably went by the name Noah.

 

[Bill Wyko]

I don't know if many know this but he used to make a miniature before he built the real thing as a sample for the customer. Those miniatures now go for 10k to 25k. Lets just hope he lives as long as Noah. He really is talented.