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Ross Leidy
531 posts
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in over 1 year
More from Ross Leidy
Poul Jensen style Z-Chair
I first posted this project in 2019.
For the longest time I've wanted to build a chair. I've always liked the looks of the Selig Z-chair designed by Poul Jensen in the 50's, and seeing some projects by other folks who've tackled this chair gave me the kick I needed to start my own. I took my first tentative step with some incomplete prototyping back in February, and then in April started in on the actual chair. I inched along up through June, and in July I had a sabbatical and was able to finish both the chair and ottoman by the end of the month.
The chair and ottoman are made with gifted cherry, finished with Odie's Oil. My wife kindly made the cushions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the project and expect to work on more chairs in the future. So many chairs, so little time.
2023 update:
This has been my favorite chair since I completed it. The original webbing did not hold-up for long, losing its elasticity. I've since upgraded to Pirelli webbing, which is commonly found in chairs like these. It's pricey, but it's much more substantial and will last a long time.
For the longest time I've wanted to build a chair. I've always liked the looks of the Selig Z-chair designed by Poul Jensen in the 50's, and seeing some projects by other folks who've tackled this chair gave me the kick I needed to start my own. I took my first tentative step with some incomplete prototyping back in February, and then in April started in on the actual chair. I inched along up through June, and in July I had a sabbatical and was able to finish both the chair and ottoman by the end of the month.
The chair and ottoman are made with gifted cherry, finished with Odie's Oil. My wife kindly made the cushions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the project and expect to work on more chairs in the future. So many chairs, so little time.
2023 update:
This has been my favorite chair since I completed it. The original webbing did not hold-up for long, losing its elasticity. I've since upgraded to Pirelli webbing, which is commonly found in chairs like these. It's pricey, but it's much more substantial and will last a long time.
13 Comments
ahhh a blast from the past. such a cool design. glad you re posted it here.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Nice chair, your craftsmanship is top notch.👍
The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.
Really wonderful work. Like the design and your attention to details. Well done.
Ron
That is such a cool chair—very stylish. The joinery must have been quite challenging. I’m always amazed that such chairs, with so little wood in them, are strong enough to be functional.
Incredible! Love the look of this chair. Thanks for sharing!
Great work. When I was a kid, we had a chair that I am sure was a knock-off of the Z chair. It was a cool design.
That really looks comfortable, and well crafted. A nice modern style that would fit in anywhere. Well Done Ross.
Main Street to the Mountains
It's been my favorite chair since you completed it too.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
2023 update:
This has been my favorite chair since I completed it. The original webbing did not hold-up for long, losing its elasticity. I've since upgraded to Pirelli webbing, which is commonly found in chairs like these. It's pricey, but it's much more substantial and will last a long time.
Just goes to prove that saving money, doesn't necessarily save money.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Lovely chair - all the angles give it a striking appearance. Looks great on that space.
Thanks for the very generous comments, all.
Ron - the joinery was definitely challenging for me, not having built a chair before. Fortunately, working through challenges successfully is what makes a great project, and this one did not disappoint! 😁 When I get some time, I'll be migrating the blog posts for the build.
LBD - You got that right! But you never know if it's false economy until after-the-fact. I bought a roll of the Pirelli webbing for this and future chairs. No messin' around this time.
Ron - the joinery was definitely challenging for me, not having built a chair before. Fortunately, working through challenges successfully is what makes a great project, and this one did not disappoint! 😁 When I get some time, I'll be migrating the blog posts for the build.
LBD - You got that right! But you never know if it's false economy until after-the-fact. I bought a roll of the Pirelli webbing for this and future chairs. No messin' around this time.
Ross,
Beautiful as per usual on all your projects.
Beautiful as per usual on all your projects.
daveg, SW Washington & AZ
Spercool chair and I love the provenance!
Al in WV
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