Next Live Course
Contemporary Dining Chair Project
QUICK LINKS: Epic Store • Online Courses and Plans
GET IN ON THE SESSIONS
Here are the dates and times:
- Session 1: Tuesday, November 18 at 7 pm
- Session 2: Saturday, November 22 at 10 am
- Session 3: Tuesday, November 25 at 7 pm
- Session 4: Tuesday, December 2 at 7 pm
- Session 5: Thursday, December 4 at 7 pm
- Session 6: Saturday, December 6 at 10 am
- Session 7: Tuesday, December 9 at 7 pm
- Session 8: Thursday, December 11 at 7 pm
Chairmaking may represent the ultimate woodworking challenge and experience. With so many compound angles and curved parts, the prospect of actually making a chair can be intimidating and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this Online Course, Tom simplifies the process, breaking it down into understandable stages.
Our focus will be on making a contemporary version of a traditionally joined mortise and tenon side chair, with a few more complex curves for good measure. With this Contemporary Dining chair, unlike the more straight-lined Craftsman Dining Chair, the back legs, front legs and splat (back rest) are all curved for a bit more dynamic appearance, comfort and style.
With Tom virtually alongside, you can choose to make this chair in “breakfast” chair height (36″), or with a slightly taller chair back in the same style (“40). This will likely be the most rewarding project you will have undertaken and conquered.
Dimensions: 19” wide across front, 16” wide across back, 16” seat depth
• Breakfast chair option: 36” height
• Taller back chair option: 40” height
Topics include
- Design considerations, for comfort and style
- Drawing techniques
- Making good patterns you can use
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Simplifying compound joinery
- Clever table saw jigs
- Sawing curves on the bandsaw
- Hand tool skills to add detail and value
- Upholstery options
- Finishing approaches
Questions? Click green square for more
LIVE COURSE FAQs
When do the Live sessions take place
There are typically two times that we opt to go Live — a select weeknight at 8:00 pm ET or Saturday at 10 am ET. On occasion a scheduling conflict causes us to adapt this in some way, but that is rare, and you will be well informed ahead of time should that need to happen.
What if I can’t watch it live, or have to miss a portion?
No problem, each event is recorded for unlimited viewing in the future, indefinitely.
Is it worth watching even if I don’t build along with Tom?
Absolutely, in fact we recommend you do! Whether or not you plan to build the piece, there’s a lot to learn about woodworking, and furniture making, including tips, techniques, and tricks shared from Tom’s over 30 years of experience — peppered in along with a bit of light humor as well. After all, this is supposed to be fun right!?
How long do I have access to the Sessions?
If you purchase the Course you have unlimited access to the sessions — you can watch them anytime, as often as you like. If you move into The Neighborwood, you have access to the Course, and all our Courses (along with many other benefits), as long as you remain a Neighbor. If you decide to move out, you can always later purchase any Course to which you want forever access.
What do I need to access the Sessions?
All you need is a device with internet connectivity, such as a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, etc. In addition, it is necessary to use the Chrome browser to consistently navigate the more sophisticated scripts on present on membership sites.
I’m not very tech savvy… is it easy?
You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to access every session. We are here to help you figure it out so worry not.
Are the sessions downloadable, or available on any other storage media?
For many reasons we have chosen to make them available via an online platform only.
FULL-SIZE PLANS FAQs
What kind of information do the Plans provide?
These are printed copies of Tom’s original design, hand-drawn plans, just like he makes for himself before building most projects. They note all the specifications, dimensions and helpful points of view for completing the piece.
Is there information provided about the materials I’ll need and how much?
Yes, in fact each set of plans comes with a cut list, and recommendations for finishing as well.
How big are the plans?
They are printed onto 36×48 sheets and will arrive at your door in a tube which assists with safe delivery and also provides a sturdy receptacle for future storage.
We choose to deliver in a tube versus folding the Plans so you do not have to deal with creases that impact your view of the contents on the page.
Does Tom create these using CAD?
No, he hand draws every component of the elements included on the Plans. He has worked with SketchUp in the past and though he knows it to be a great tool, prefers depicting curved elements in particular by hand.
Can I get the plans in digital format?
Good question, however we do not provide our Plans in digital format. It’s one small way we attempt to maintain the integrity of the intellectual property withing the project build experience.
Rather, we prefer to offer the physical product so the parts you will be making to fulfill the project are represented in actual size.
SUPPORT DURING THE BUILD
What if I have questions during the Course?
No problem, this is why we have The Neighborwood community which gives you access to Tom and many fellow woodworkers via a private forum.
You can post your questions in the Private Forum and get input directly from Tom and other Neighbors as needed. In fact, you can even ask question about any project you’re working on, and post pictures of your completed work for everyone to celebrate with you!
I’m not very tech savvy, is the Forum tricky?
Not at all, and we’re happy to help you learn how to use it. We’re all learning as we go, and once you get the hang of it… you’ll love it!
How can I learn more about The Neighborwood?
If you’re curious for how it all got started, and how it works, click here.
If you’re looking more for logistics and how to purchase, click here.




