Safari Chair

Managing ADHD is tough, requires a lot of focus, and can sometimes be overwhelming.

Managing it while trying to build furniture is even tougher. Allowing yourself to follow the dopamine is an excellent creative outlet. The biggest difference is planning things out long before you make the first cut or push of the plane. 

I spent 4-5 hours reading and planning on making these chairs. Everything from concept, to design and layout. I spent one night alone just doing the cut list. This was all in preparation for allowing myself 1 hour for stock preparation. 

By only having 1 hour, it puts a deadline on what task needs to be completed, and limits distractions. 

I'm following the design from Chris Schwartz Campaign Furniture book (found here). It's an excellent resource for British-made furniture during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The safari Chair (or Roorkee chair), can point it's lineage to today's folding chairs found on soccer fields, campfires, and other outdoor places. While todays chairs are aluminum and canvas, featuring cupholders and storage bags, Roorkee chairs are simply leather and wood. Since I have access to North American hardwoods, mine is out of walnut. I plan on making some out of Osage Orange. 

 

 Initial stock breakdown is simple enough. Take your 2" thick wood of choice, and cut them into 2"x2" boards with a 24" length.

Clamping the boards that will become the legs together ensues an accurate and efficient cut.

Measure twice, mark and cut once. 

I prefer cutting by hand, and have the luxury of being able to use quality hand tools for the job. Miter saws are far more efficient, however they are loud and make far more dust. When the only time to work is when after the kids are in bed, you have to get creative.