FYNING UNPLUGGED

Pole lathe

Round members such as legs, rungs and stretchers are turned on the pole lathe. This simple traditional device relies on the springiness of an ash pole to spin the piece agains the sharp edge of the lathe gouge or chisel.

Steam box

Wood shavings and off cuts make a fire to boil water. This generates steam which loosens the fibres in the wood which can then be bent into tight curves for chairbacks etc.

Bark seating

Our English elms were almost obliterated by disease but the roots live on producing plentiful suckers. These can grow to a good twenty feet before the fatal beetle attaks again. Catch them as the sap rises before the fungus does its worst and the under bark or bast can be peeld off in strips ideal for weaving into chair seats.

Wedged tenons

To ensure tight-fitting joints mortises are drilled right through the seat with the traditional brace and bit. This allows a contrasting wedge to be hammered home forcing out the sides of the round tenons.