re: Introduction

Thanks, gents.   I'm posting the first couple installments retroactively.  I wanted to make sure I could get to a certain point successfully before sharing.

Splinter - I did consider steam bending for the arms, but ultimately went in a different direction.   All will be revealed.  :)  And, yes, that's a leather strap between the bottom edge of the backrest and the rear stretcher.  The backrest pivots and strap limits the travel.   So you can lean back and the backrest will rotate somewhat, without it hitting a hard stop.   That's my guess about the choice to use the strap.