instructables

Making a Mid Century Modern Armchair

by Alpaca Studio

I spent the last two weeks inside my shop designed and built this mid-century modern armchair.

Warning: Video in Mandarin WITHOUT English subtitles

https://youtu.be/QfCMyHj_edY

Step 1: Material: 50mm and 25mm Beech

I decided to use beech in this build since there's a ton in my shop (:

The first step I did was to dimension all the lumber. I used my miter saw to cut the wood to the length and flattened
them on the jointer. By using the planer, I make sure that both sides are flat and smooth.

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Step 2: Make the Backrest

The backrest of this armchair is made with 10 pieces of wood.

I started by cutting all the pieces on my table saw. I made sure every piece has the same width and length.

I used a router table to give the wood a smooth edge. The speed of the router is important here. Otherwise, you
could burn the wood.

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Step 3: Connecting All Pieces

I used dowels to connect all these pieces. first, I drilled several 8mm holes on the wood. The depth of the hole is
slightly longer than half of the dowel so that there is a space for excess glue. I used a dowel jig to make sure every
hole is straight.

Step 4: Cut the Legs of the Chair

All the legs are made by 50mm wood since they are thicker than the backrest. I used the band saw to cut the
corner and used a table saw jig to cut the leg with an angle.

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Step 5: Assemble All the Pieces

Finally, I assembled all the pieces. I glued them up and used a lot of clamps.

Step 6: Sanding

Next step is sanding the pieces. I tried to remove all the burn marks and unsmooth here with 200# sandpaper.

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Step 7: Cleaning, Painting, Sanding and Repeat

Here I used the water-based polyurethane to finish the piece. It's quick and odorless.

Step 8: DONE

I ordered the cushion online. I don't make a cushion!!

HAHA

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Step 9: Latest Update: Project Plan

I built this model in Solidworks and originally decided
to release the plan after I reorganized everything.
Since I slightly change the design when I built it
because of the material. However, so many people
are asking for plans and want to build this.
Anyway, here is the screenshot of the cutting plan
and I guess you guys can figure it out. This plan
covers all of the dimension you need to build this
chair. But the parts are not labeled which makes it a
little bit difficult to assemble. But with the help of
perspective view, it's actually not that hard. The
design is in metric units. (e.g. 500 means 500 mm)
Just ignore the number after the decimal point. Not
necessary to be that accurate.
Enjoy your build!

This looks amazing! This looks really pro grade.

Thank you

Wonderful work and great style! Well done!

Thank you

Elegant. Beautifully crafted. Wonderful workmanship. --Kink--

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 Thank you

Could you include detailed plans or a cut list of pieces?

N néng liè chū xiángxì de jìhuà huò cáiji n qīngdān ma?

Did you just use the Google Translate? I'm quite surprised that it's so accurate.
Check this, bro.
Step 9: Latest Update: Project Plan
supposed to be "instructables" because this site is for it
no information, no cutlist, no plans and nothing more

check this, bro.

Step 9: Latest Update: Project Plan
The problem here is that there is no lower back support when you sit and the back angle is terrible
for posture . This style of chair is probably responsible for 50% of all back pain in the world at
present and used to be very popular . What comes out now can be even worse.
Here is the best darn chair you will ever see for your back. I've had it for 50 years and I can't find
anyone to reupholster it properly for a reasonable price . Copy this and you have a real chair. Cant
see it here but the seat base slopes down at the back.

The base and back are plywood shaped with a light foam cover upholstered in thick black vinyl.
The frame is steel square tube and bar heavy wall thickness. Standard plastic floor pads. Under
the back piece is a shaped flat bar and the back is screwed to this The base is screwed to tabs
from the sides.

If anyone is interested in making these I will post more detailed photos if asked.

Yes, please post, make them, document each step and post it!
61 years later, my mom still has the rocking chair version of this chair. Instead of slats, it had
upholstery zigzag springs which eventually broke. My father replaced them with a piece of mason
board which has stood the test of time for the last 50 years.
BTW you chair and timber work look beautiful of themselves . The original design of these usually
had wider arm rests that covered the upright and made for less detailed work at the front, but
otherwise identical . I much admire your woodwork abilities

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