Windsor Chair made from 2x4 scraps

In this video, I'll show you how to make a Curtis Buchanan style Democratic Chair using leftover 2x4s. I'll be using the design developed by Curtis Buchanan, a master of green woodworking, who is known for creating functional and beautiful furniture using locally harvested and sustainable materials.
I'll be using 2x4s that I had leftover from other projects, but you can use any dimension of wood you have on hand. The chair will be sturdy and comfortable, perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
I'll walk you through the process of building the chair, from cutting the wood to shaping the seat and backrest. I'll show you how to use simple hand tools and techniques to create a piece of furniture that is both functional and beautiful.
This is a great project for anyone who wants to learn about green woodworking and create their own sustainable furniture. So grab your leftover 2x4s and let's get started!
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- instagram - / dpmakestuff
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= links to tools used =
taper reamer: tinyurl.com/4a...
tenon cutter: tinyurl.com/2j...
drawknife: amzn.to/3ugRyAz
curved drawknife: amzn.to/350vHox (not great)
card scrapers: amzn.to/36kVdFv
pull saw: amzn.to/384CkDD
compass: amzn.to/2IVwBYq
wooden mallet: amzn.to/3afRlFE
ruler: amzn.to/3oVsQRU
titebond glue: amzn.to/3adUXHT
ca glue: tinyurl.com/2s7zbukr - use "DP15" for 15% off!
chisels: amzn.to/34g7c3b
forstner drill bits: amzn.to/2WeUehH
tape cutter: amzn.to/37lPBbN
f clamps: amzn.to/37mfeti
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= Shop Equipment =
Rockler Stuff: amzn.to/2bYUGJf
Saw Stop: amzn.to/2ctLWdP
Band Saw: amzn.to/2c72OZN
Lathe: amzn.to/2e9IjMN
X Carve CNC: tinyurl.com/ya...
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#finewoodworking #woodworking #handmade #diy #woodwork #furnituremaking #carpentry #handtools #wooden #customfurniture #woodcarving #joinery #woodart #maker #craftsmanship #wooddesign #woodenfurniture #woodworkforall #woodproject

[@Wordsnwood]

I can't believe I clicked that link. You played on my trust, Dustin, and you betrayed me. I'm never going to give this up, I'm never going to let it down.

[@dpmakestuff]

To be fair that baby still slaps!

[@RieRiePie]

"This isn't my only chair, this is my first chair." I'm going to start saying that to myself when I'm struggling to learn something new. Very motivating, thank you!

[@dpmakestuff]

The second chair that I’m currently building is infinitely better! Always be learning!

[@Swarm509]

I had a teacher that once said you should burn (or destroy) the first project you make in a totally new field or craft. This lets you be free to make mistakes, try things, and in general not be afraid to push forward with the project. At the end it will be gone and you can try your next one. I've kept that in mind but also like keeping my first project around as a reference to how I started and what happened during that build as I start the second one.

[@anonymoushippo5415]

The chair. The hallmark of a designer/craftsman.

[@danbarrett6113]

Dustin you are a bad ass.......

[@dpmakestuff]

I wouldn't go that far but thanks very much!

[@312saxon]

Pretty cool that

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@TexianPa]

Amazing just how strong pine is. I have been building “prototype” dining chairs out of pine (to get the exact feel down that we want between design/function/comfort before I commit to a nicer material) and we have just been using the prototypes, lol.

[@dpmakestuff]

Yes it’s totally worth it to use a cheaper wood to learn on, even though the cost of 2x4’s is insane right now… these are most likely spruce.

[@andrew40]

Nothing is as permanent as a temporary solution

[@Swarm509]

Agreed. I started woodworking following Paul Sellers videos/tutorials and it seems like even a master woodworker like him still starts with Pine prototypes. Just so much cheaper and easier, and you know if it is strong enough with Pine most "fancy" woods will work just as well. Hello my first bar stool I made is out of pine (painted) and has had zero issues living in my kitchen under the island for years.

[@OliWarner]

~"It's not my only, it's my first" is a cracking attitude for a learner. Well done, great first chair.

[@dpmakestuff]

Might have to make that a print!

[@marizapaula8310]

Maravilhoso seu trabalho 👏👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@kateh4030]

Watching you shaping the pieces with hand tools was beautiful

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks Kate! I won’t lie, I had some regret when I first started. The material was very tricky to work with and took a long time! But it all came together. Trust the process I suppose!

[@jamara57]

I went to Greg’s chair making course last spring with zero chair experience. Fun but overwhelming. I wish I had made this chair first. Great job.

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

That's one more Windsor chair than I want to build.

[@lukemartin9037]

DP goes GP! This was fun to watch!

[@user-mo4mu9eb8s]

First chair??!! That's amazing.

[@dpmakestuff]

First chair and it's still going strong! Thanks

[@kiyotomiyazaki1668]

Great first Windsor chair! I must follow you now!! Thank you!

[@WorkshopGreg]

You knocked it out of the park, sir. First-time builds are always a learning experience beyond predictability. Many of my first builds have ended up in the chuck-it-bucket.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks 👍

[@johnestes1467]

Chisel was a huge flex

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

That's a great first chair. Can't wait to see the rest.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks! There will be lots more.

[@davebauerart]

That’s cool. Definitely a chair. The technique for the wedges is very interesting.

[@sgsax]

Really nice practice run! Will be interesting to see what you learn from Greg's class. Maybe try another when you get back? Thanks for sharing!

[@dpmakestuff]

I will! Thanks very much.

[@williamtaylor6074]

Great to have you back posting again. Inspiring as always! I look forward to seeing more.

[@dpmakestuff]

I post when I can! I haven’t stopped in a couple years.

[@thomashverring9484]

That was pretty amazing! And you're right, it does seem approachable!

[@dpmakestuff]

It really is!

[@MichaelHall-rf3pl]

Nice job! My dad is a craftsman and he has never made a Windsor chair but has restored a few and many other types of similar chairs and would use the same methods you did. Great job!

[@sarahwilson1102]

Very good video. Picked up some very useful tips on techniques. Thank you for sharing.

[@dpmakestuff]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@JimPepperTactical]

This is awesome. Can’t wait to see your next one!

[@tracyrain4941]

Nice chair, and it took you less than 15 minutes to do! Very impressed. Can't wait to see all the other chairs you're going to tackle now! 🤭😊

[@furthernorthfab]

Looks very sit-able.

[@twcdesign]

Cool!

[@tooljunkie555]

nice work! U should male video on how to make tht steam bender set up.

[@Camshot4]

Unicorn spotted at: 0:00 preparing to show Wood how to fall with style 6:23 Chair looks great. Hope you learned everything you need to know in Nashville!

[@jaredstarnes6668]

The student became the teacher!!

[@D3nn1s]

Looks amazing. I actually saw a japanese video recently where they level out the chair using a wedge and then mark out ~5-10mm off the floor and cut it. That way the feet are flat on the floor and it doesnt jiggle around. Nice work though :D

[@jholmessiedle]

love a bit of draw knife action!! great result!

[@dpmakestuff]

Much better than expected! Thanks so much.

[@Swarm509]

Interesting, I'd be curious how long it last all being made of pine. Seems like most stuff I read says not to use pine for all parts, but actually building one and seeing how it lasts is the best experiment. At the very least you made a chair, it works, and was cheap to do so! I'll be starting my first chair soon but I bet that build was addicting, and makes you want to start the next one right away! Oh and totally have done the glue up and no longer fits into my thickness planer thing before..... always fun haha.

[@mattc1740]

Awesome chair, and love the repurposed that potato gun!

[@dpmakestuff]

in situ resource utilization! Thanks!

[@ahmedhamada5896]

اكثر من رائع انت مبدع اعجبنى نظرات التحدى اثناء العمل وولذلك تستحق الاعجاب بكل احترام

[@PatLap]

Nice job man! Wow! 🥰

[@danlynch1154]

Really nice!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Dustin! Really amazing looking chair! 😃 Enjoy the event there! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@Josuascholz]

SOLID. Greatings aus Regensburg. Bavaria. 💗🔥

[@garryr]

Makes a chair before taking a chair course. I would add a NERD! "revenge of the nerds" meme but its youtube. As always love a good DP video,

[@YS-by7wy]

Awesome! Love the design.

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@jimbo2629]

Superb job. Now get some ash and elm!

[@john20pb]

This is an awesome video. I've been thinking about making a windsor chair so I've watched a few videos on it and this is possibly the best I've seen so far.

[@dpmakestuff]

That’s very kind of you to say. I was hoping it wasn’t too repetitive with all the shaving work that has to be done. Give it a try! Lots of fun. Thanks!

[@qaweeorltuys]

Beautiful! Just got the plans and definitely giving this a go

[@dpmakestuff]

Follow along on the build video series too and you’ll fall in love with Curtis. Humble brag but I got the chance to sit in one of Curtis’ democratic chairs today! Amazing stuff.

[@jonnysmith4310]

Can I ask, where did you get the plans? I can't find them?

[@davidmeyer9204]

Very Nice. always a pleasure to watch you work. Thanks for sharing!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks so much Dave!

[@spencerbass7142]

Great video and an incredible chair. Well done!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@hdwoodshop]

Really cool. I was surprised the wedges aren’t set up ahead of time with a planned cut. Chisel then it goes. Really interesting. Thanks for sharing. I’ve heard Chair making is the highest level of craftsmanship. You tell us if that’s correct. Interesting.

[@dpmakestuff]

I can’t speak to the other fine woodworking endeavours I haven’t tried like instrument making etc… but chair making is special. No doubt about it.

[@nord_laender]

This is so impressive!

[@dpmakestuff]

That’s very kind! Thank you.

[@quinngeary150]

Nice use of the potato gun!

[@jackgusev173]

Awesome!

[@TheWardagh]

Great stuff, really enjoyable build. Thank you

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@molegrip3860]

Awesome - thanks for sharing

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. Much appreciated.

[@gsilcoful]

very cool

[@simonvidajewelry]

Looks Awesome 👍. Really like all handwork involved 💪😎

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@ronmccarty7537]

Very cool... great job and great video!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@moehoward01]

If it's only your first chair, I see a shave horse in your future.

[@dpmakestuff]

I meant to mention that in the video! Make a shave horse before you make a chair!!!!

[@augustinglenn]

Man! I am inspired, you have made it look so doable. The wedges to lock everything in place was interesting. Was wondering how would it all stay together without nails or screws

[@dpmakestuff]

I’m very glad to read this. It is very achievable! Give it a go and send me pictures on IG!

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

After watching this again, I think that the key part of the chair is the middle stretcher. That stretcher needs a wedge to prevent furthat splaying of the legs.

[@dpmakestuff]

It’s not a trough mortise so you can’t wedge it. Also it’s a stretcher, not a puller. It’s under tension because it’s pushing the legs away from the centre.

[@user-mr7dc4hf4p]

спасибо, очень интересно !!!

[@atauderete]

Fantastic artesano,💯💖

[@dpmakestuff]

Thank you!

[@muirjs]

I was so stressed that it wasn't going to get sat on. Phew.

[@dpmakestuff]

I got you!

[@glennryzebol4472]

Some of your 2x4 "scraps" are really just 2x4`s lol. It looks really good and while watching i thought " I bet he`s learning a tonne!" Congrats on another great build.

[@dpmakestuff]

Learned a lot and I definitely won’t stop here. You’re correct about the scraps… but leftover didn’t have the same ring to it!

[@tooljunkie555]

P.s. I feel "special" I'm never gonna give up!

[@nedimbuyukafsar6434]

👍👍👍

[@KellyVisionPictures]

Dang! I'm amazed. Very inspiring. I'm wondering ... did you pick the straightest, clearest grain pieces -- for the legs, stretchers and spindles? Or ... did you just grab the pieces that you though you cut out the right size and shape?

[@dpmakestuff]

I had to choose very carefully! Knots in the seat cause no trouble so I tried to put them there.

[@user-fb3cn6tm2r]

I have been your fan for a long time. It is very nice piece of work. I have a question. Tapered reamer,, cannon cutter, hand brace. I want to buy same thing. Plz, let me know production information ^__^

[@cabletoolcowboy]

Wonder how you came about the light bulb sign 🤔

[@dpmakestuff]

The meatball??

[@jonnysmith4310]

Do you have a link to the plans you used please?

[@dpmakestuff]

Curtis Buchanan gives them away on his website.

[@Traderjoe]

To me, you don’t need to go somewhere to learn how to make a Windsor chair, because you just made one! If anything, make a set of them and refine your process and increase the precision of reproduced parts like the legs and cross members and you’ll be more or less an expert at it.

[@dpmakestuff]

I have learned so much from the first 4 days of this course. I now believe instruction from an expert is invaluable. I will build more, the course was a huge jump start.

[@jesusocana3597]

What brand of table saw do you have

[@dpmakestuff]

SawStop. Only saw I will ever use.

[@Kilroy1225]

Only 5 more and a table to go

[@ConradJupiter77]

does it recline :)

[@rchavez5056]

Only 1 time. 😆

[@dpmakestuff]

Everything reclines with enough try.

[@Muhammadmansoor-zl7df]

Hi, do you send this? Yes, what is its price? I need such an engine. If you have a seller, please contact me.

[@dekalbes335]

Why did I wind up here......

[@dpmakestuff]

You’re a self described Windsor chairmaker. Is it really that big of a stretch?

[@Eazoon]

That out of sync clap 🤣

[@user-bl9hy3lk5u]

Чувак бредит? Или реально болеет на всю голову?

[@jannhenrik3829]

I guess you lost something during this video 🥸