Déjà New

Chris builds yet another square-back. But this time it's different, we swear.

The square-back chair Chris built in the updated “Build a Stick Chair” video. It’s finished with dirt, soot and oil.

The last time I filmed a Chris Schwarz how-to video I shopped primarily at the Gap and still had room to spare in my Dutch tool chest. I guess a lot can change in two years. That video was “Build a Roman Workbench,” and little did I know then that the Roman workbench would become my favorite bench in the shop. That’s another blog post, though.

These last two weeks, Chris has been starring in his first long-form how-to video in more than two years. And unlike our last video, I won’t be the only one filming it. This time Katherine will be helping as she learns the ropes of how-to filming.

So what will Chris be building? Trick question. Of course it’s a stick chair. OK, then how will this be different from the original “Build a Stick Chair” video? Not a trick question. In the updated video, Chris demonstrates how his chairmaking techniques have evolved since filming the first “Build a Stick Chair” four years ago.

Of the several alterations Chris has made over the years to his chairmaking process, the most notable (to me) are the armbow and stretcher modifications. Also, his leg-tapering operation has gotten a thoughtful upgrade. All of which are shown in the updated video. Another difference you may notice are the number of gray hairs in Chris’s beard. But that’s neither here nor there.

For those who purchased the original “Build a Stick Chair” video years ago: You’ll receive an email once the video is published with a link to download the new video for free. No catches. And for those who haven’t purchased the original “Build a Stick Chair” video, the updated film will be half off ($37) the first month of it’s release. And a pdf of the updated, full-sized plan will be included in both the free link and new purchase. (This new video and pdf will replace the old ones on our site – so if you have and want to keep the first video and accompanying pdf, download them now.)

Speaking of downloadable plans, Katherine and I are just a gnat’s butt away from finishing the traveling bookcase Chris assigned us to build weeks ago. The build itself is complete; what isn’t yet finished is the painted serpent (that doesn’t at all resemble a colon) that enwraps the box. Katherine really outdid herself with this painted design. (The colon resemblance is not a dig. This was an observation that Katherine first mentioned. The snake has since been appropriately named Collin the colon snake.)

Once finished, the plans for the case will be made available as a free download for paid subscribers. However, you’re on your own when painting. I guess you’ll have to paint your own colon.