These ergonomically conscious rocking chairs are this woodworker’s interpretation of Sam Maloof’s unparalleled design. Why
is an ergonomic chair better than a traditional straight-backed rocker?
is an ergonomic chair better than a traditional straight-backed rocker?
The back and legs are now taken care of, but we can’t forget about the arms. Arm placement
is critical for easier breathing as well as comfort. The rockers I build have wide, contoured
arms that bring your elbows away from your rib cage. This lessens pressure on the torso and
eases respiration.
is critical for easier breathing as well as comfort. The rockers I build have wide, contoured
arms that bring your elbows away from your rib cage. This lessens pressure on the torso and
eases respiration.
Now that you’re nice and comfortable, let’s move on to aesthetics. After the
engineering is complete, it’s time for shaping. I primarily use a band saw, grinder,
files and sanders to bring out the natural shape of the chairs. After sanding,
sanding, and more sanding, several coats of Danish oil are applied and rubbed to
a medium luster. Though I typically do not stain furniture, a colorful alternative is
available. As a guitar aficionado (but not much of a player), the sunburst finish has
always seemed very mysterious and visually stunning to me. This is accomplished
by spraying a combination of dyes on the chair before applying the finish.
Finally each chair is numbered, dated, and signed underneath the seat.
Ultimately, these factors and many more, are what make these handcrafted rocking
chairs so exceptional. Not only are they comfortable and splendid to behold, they
will remain this way for many lifetimes.
engineering is complete, it’s time for shaping. I primarily use a band saw, grinder,
files and sanders to bring out the natural shape of the chairs. After sanding,
sanding, and more sanding, several coats of Danish oil are applied and rubbed to
a medium luster. Though I typically do not stain furniture, a colorful alternative is
available. As a guitar aficionado (but not much of a player), the sunburst finish has
always seemed very mysterious and visually stunning to me. This is accomplished
by spraying a combination of dyes on the chair before applying the finish.
Finally each chair is numbered, dated, and signed underneath the seat.
Ultimately, these factors and many more, are what make these handcrafted rocking
chairs so exceptional. Not only are they comfortable and splendid to behold, they
will remain this way for many lifetimes.
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Well, let’s start with the back. Is your back perfectly straight?
Of course it isn’t and your chair shouldn’t be, either. The
Maloof design calls for curved backrests to cradle and support
your lumbar area. My chairs now boast a minimum of nine
flexible backrests that conform to and move with you as you
rock.
Of course it isn’t and your chair shouldn’t be, either. The
Maloof design calls for curved backrests to cradle and support
your lumbar area. My chairs now boast a minimum of nine
flexible backrests that conform to and move with you as you
rock.
Seat shape is the next area of concern. Far too many modern chairs have flat
wooden seats with a small dip in the middle. A common alternative is to use
thicker wood and carve out a larger depression. The best way I have found, so
far, is to assemble the seat blank with a built-in curve. This allows for a deeper,
more comfortable recess without removing excess wood.
wooden seats with a small dip in the middle. A common alternative is to use
thicker wood and carve out a larger depression. The best way I have found, so
far, is to assemble the seat blank with a built-in curve. This allows for a deeper,
more comfortable recess without removing excess wood.
The runners on the bottom of the chairs have an
explanation, too. Compared to traditional rockers,
these chairs rock more slowly. In fact, they are
designed to rock at a rhythm very similar to a resting
heartbeat.
explanation, too. Compared to traditional rockers,
these chairs rock more slowly. In fact, they are
designed to rock at a rhythm very similar to a resting
heartbeat.
Copyright 2007 Laron Algren Woodworking
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Upon closer inspection, you will notice the absence of stretchers between
the legs of these chairs. There are two simple reasons for this. First,
stretchers do not add any strength or stability to the design. The special
joinery used in the construction of these chairs makes them much sturdier
than a traditional post-and-stretcher chair. The legs will never become loose
and wobbly with age. The second reason is that most stretchers rub the
backs of your ankles while you rock. How uncomfortable!
the legs of these chairs. There are two simple reasons for this. First,
stretchers do not add any strength or stability to the design. The special
joinery used in the construction of these chairs makes them much sturdier
than a traditional post-and-stretcher chair. The legs will never become loose
and wobbly with age. The second reason is that most stretchers rub the
backs of your ankles while you rock. How uncomfortable!