This workshop will explore four techniques for producing curved parts —various types of laminations useful for curved drawers and chairs, shaping out of the solid with hand tools, coopering for curved panels or case sides, and steam bending  One of the first questions we will answer is which method should I use? 

Day one we will do some steam bending while we talk about making forms, what woods bend well, what tools are needed, and how to do it all simply. We will also glue some curved laminations, a slow but sure way to make very strong curved parts from any wood.

Day two we will cut some shapes from solid material such as a table or chair leg.  Your challenge will be join your curved part to another, after first making a full scale drawing. Coopering and some of the interesting shapes possible with this technique will finish out the day. 

Coopered corner cabinet

Typical lamination, yielding strong and light curved parts