Sc

Sonny

19/01/2016 8:37 PM

Sometimes, Tweaking A Visual Design Doesn't Work

For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the backrest=
. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing, as I had though=
t they might. I can always trim more off of those oval shapes, once I see=
where the chains run.

The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support chains.=
Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I don't want the c=
hains to run through the armrests, but to run outside the arms....and frami=
ng. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed, some, at least.

The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and comfortable, als=
o.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?

Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we all we=
nt to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still likes dancing to=
the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at our best.

Sonny


This topic has 17 replies

Ll

Leon

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 7:28 AM

Sonny <[email protected]> wrote:
> For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the
> backrest. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing, as I
> had thought they might. I can always trim more off of those oval
> shapes, once I see where the chains run.
>
> The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support
> chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I don't
> want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside the
> arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed, some, at least.
>
> The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and comfortable, also.
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?
>
> Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we all
> went to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still likes
> dancing to the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at our best.
>
> Sonny
>

Happy birthday MOM!

Nice swing!

Sc

Sonny

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

21/01/2016 10:27 AM

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 2:29:42 PM UTC-6, Swingman wrote:

> Then, going to steal Sonny's design, and make a proper swing to replace=
=20
> that one.

A few thoughts I keep in mind, when making swings, rockers or similar seati=
ng:

1)Backrest Angle
I feel/find, that, the most comfortable recline for a backrest angle is abo=
ut 7 degrees. The seat-to-backrest construction angle may be 90 degrees, =
but the seat's *resting back-tilt (recline) is about 7 degrees.

*Resting back-tilt (recline): For a rocker at rest and for a hanging (at re=
st) swing, the backrest angle, relative to the floor, is about 7 degrees. =
Your comfort angle may be different. I like my seat-to-backrest construct=
ion angle to be about 7 degrees.

2) Where the seat (contour/profile) meets the backrest, there is often a sl=
ight upturn of the seat profile. Make sure that upturn, if one, does not =
start too far from the backrest and that the upturn is not too high. If t=
he upturn is large (in length or height), your butt will feel it.... it bei=
ng an uncomfortable bump at the back of the seat. Does this make sense? =
If possible, make that upturn as short and small (height) as possible, with=
out compromising the seat frame's structure/strength.

Thank you all for the generous compliments.
Sonny

nn

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 10:57 AM

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 10:27:10 AM UTC-6, Swingman wrote:
> I want to replace it with a smaller, modern, metal yard swing with=20
> canopy, but she wants me to either make one out of wood that suits me=20
> (this frame is too big for the location for my tastes), or salvage it=20
> in some manner.
>=20
> She sees Sonny's photo, the battle is over ...

Damnit, Karl... I am so sorry. I just sent Linda this, thinking I was help=
ing you out...

https://goo.gl/HzB0R9

Sonny's design could certainly compete or outshine any of those, but you kn=
ow... a lady has to have choices!

I rarely tell Kathy about anything you or Leon make as it is bad enough whe=
n we leave from a visit and I have the next two months of listening to "is =
that something you could make?" and "I want one of those, but made out of r=
eal wood" when she sees something in one of her magazines.

The first time she saw "la petit atelier" behind your house where you have =
turned out so much fine custom work, I heard about all the things she wante=
d built for a year. (No kidding...) My excuses for not wanting to take awa=
y time from my business work to make her furniture almost evaporated as she=
saw me working all week using my time and skills to make a living transfer=
red to exactly to spending my whole weekend using my time and skills for fu=
n.

I have been in the "let me knock this out as fast as possible and get paid =
and move on" so long I haven't done any woodworking for fun in years. I bu=
ild a one off cabinet now and then as needed when folks want a new vanity o=
f a peculiar size, or a filler cabinet. There is no joy in that; it is sim=
ply part of the job. And truthfully, since it takes me too long to make pa=
nel doors, when I have a more complicated design I take it to my little old=
fashioned cabinet shop and he can knock it out a deliver it to me for fini=
shing with much less time and effort than I could do it for myself working =
out of a garage.

What I would like to do someday is start making antique reproduction pieces=
. When I was learning finishing, one of the elements was of course, matchi=
ng the finish to the piece. And one of the books I was studying put out th=
e idea of making new pieces and "antiqueing" them (as opposed to "distressi=
ng") them. I had a lot of fun with that. I made a hanging tea station/cab=
inet that had a glass door on it with a small drawer and hooks on the botto=
m to hang cups one time, and wound up making several for sale when the coun=
try style of decorating was at its height. =20

I had a lot of fun picking out period type pulls and simulating the muted o=
range color of old shellac and burnishing the edges and grain with differen=
t colors of stain to simulate the old age that a well cared for piece would=
acquire. It was my own design based on something I saw on a period piece =
on PBS. But after I built a few of "I want one just like hers" I got prett=
y bored with it. I was glad to fill the last request and stop.

When I get my vision lined back out and can actually see more of what I am =
doing, I hope to rekindle the great love affair I had with wood turning. I=
enjoyed that enough I used to do demos and teach, and <still> turned for f=
un when I had a chance. I was obsessed! At this point, I don't know where =
I found the time...

I will be interested in what you decide with your swing. Have you thought =
of an outdoor stationary glider instead of a swing? Then you could build/b=
uy a lightweight canopy that could me moved or used as needed that wouldn't=
take up must space or take over your design elements. Just thinking out l=
oud over here.

Robert

On

OFWW

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 12:21 AM

On Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:37:45 -0800 (PST), Sonny <[email protected]>
wrote:

>For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the backrest. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing, as I had thought they might. I can always trim more off of those oval shapes, once I see where the chains run.
>
>The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I don't want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside the arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed, some, at least.
>
>The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and comfortable, also.
>https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?
>
>Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we all went to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still likes dancing to the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at our best.
>
>Sonny

Congratulations to your Mom, she looks like she has a strong sparkle
in her eyes, there.

Enjoyed the joints in your swing, you're going to need two strong men
and a boy to carry that out of there. Should last a lot of years.

In photo below
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/24466781406/in/photostream/

I noticed a lot of great looking wood in the background, I'm a bit
jealous, but on the left behind a big screen there looked like a huge
propeller fan, there, and I mean HUGE! Does it run and is there a
story behind that?

Sc

Sonny

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 5:31 AM

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 2:21:48 AM UTC-6, OFWW wrote:
=20
> Enjoyed the joints in your swing, you're going to need two strong men
> and a boy to carry that out of there. Should last a lot of years.

Made of old cypress, which is a light weight wood, so the swing is not that=
heavy. The through tenon joints are for looks and, hopefully, stronger s=
upport/connection. Screwing or nailing the joints (with glue) has a tende=
ncy to split the wood, especially near the ends. The arm panels are 7" wi=
de and, as is, they may crack/split, so the prospect of underside bracing (=
corbel-like) is still optional.

=20
> I noticed a lot of great looking wood in the background, I'm a bit
> jealous, but on the left behind a big screen there looked like a huge
> propeller fan, there, and I mean HUGE! Does it run and is there a
> story behind that?

Yeah, I have lots of lumber, sometimes more than I like, in that, I end up =
moving some, now and then, to access other pieces, for specific use. I sal=
vage when and what I can. On those racks there is walnut, pecan, cypress, =
cedar, white oak, ash, cherry and some pine.

The fan is an attic fan, installed in a double doorway. Great for removin=
g dust and for cooling in the summer. During the initial shop remodel, it=
was originally sitting on the threshold....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/4034835606/in/photostream

I don't have the dust collection attached to that unisaw and I do lots of h=
and work on that outfeed table, so the fan facilitates dust removal out tha=
t doorway. Every now and then, when the wind is blowing right, I open all=
the doors and windows and blow out the shop... the fan (and the wind blowi=
ng through) facilitates that dust removal, also.

Sonny

Ll

Leon

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

21/01/2016 6:06 PM

On 1/21/2016 12:27 PM, Sonny wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 2:29:42 PM UTC-6, Swingman wrote:
>
>> Then, going to steal Sonny's design, and make a proper swing to replace
>> that one.
>
> A few thoughts I keep in mind, when making swings, rockers or similar seating:
>
> 1)Backrest Angle
> I feel/find, that, the most comfortable recline for a backrest angle is about 7 degrees. The seat-to-backrest construction angle may be 90 degrees, but the seat's *resting back-tilt (recline) is about 7 degrees.
>
> *Resting back-tilt (recline): For a rocker at rest and for a hanging (at rest) swing, the backrest angle, relative to the floor, is about 7 degrees. Your comfort angle may be different. I like my seat-to-backrest construction angle to be about 7 degrees.
>
> 2) Where the seat (contour/profile) meets the backrest, there is often a slight upturn of the seat profile. Make sure that upturn, if one, does not start too far from the backrest and that the upturn is not too high. If the upturn is large (in length or height), your butt will feel it.... it being an uncomfortable bump at the back of the seat. Does this make sense? If possible, make that upturn as short and small (height) as possible, without compromising the seat frame's structure/strength.
>
> Thank you all for the generous compliments.
> Sonny
>


Words of wisdom Sonny. Above all is comfort. It can look great but if
it is not comfortable it essentially will go unused.

Sk

Swingman

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 11:48 AM

On 1/20/2016 11:34 AM, OFWW wrote:
> LOL, after seeing Sonny's swing and the revisiting yours, it reminded
> me of that bag commercial.
>
> Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy,
> Hefty, Hefty, Hefty.

There's swings ... then there's thrones that swing.
;)

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Ll

Leon

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 2:56 PM

On 1/20/2016 12:57 PM, [email protected] wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 10:27:10 AM UTC-6, Swingman wrote:
>> I want to replace it with a smaller, modern, metal yard swing with
>> canopy, but she wants me to either make one out of wood that suits
>> me (this frame is too big for the location for my tastes), or
>> salvage it in some manner.
>>
>> She sees Sonny's photo, the battle is over ...
>
> Damnit, Karl... I am so sorry. I just sent Linda this, thinking I
> was helping you out...
>
> https://goo.gl/HzB0R9

OH BOY!!!!!!

Swingman I think you should build/weave 4 of these! I found this in
Roberts link..... ;~)

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=870&bih=410&q=porch+deck+swing&oq=porch+deck+swing&gs_l=img.3...2437.6361.0.6671.16.10.0.6.6.0.159.1314.0j9.9.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..1.10.1308.ipzJi8pv1UU#imgrc=VrnZbxYxUr3KWM%3A

With friends like us,,,,,,



Sk

Swingman

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 2:29 PM

On 1/20/2016 12:57 PM, [email protected] wrote:
> Damnit, Karl... I am so sorry. I just sent Linda this, thinking I was helping you out...
>
> https://goo.gl/HzB0R9

Nice try ... ;)


> I will be interested in what you decide with your swing. Have you thought of an outdoor stationary glider instead of a swing? Then you could build/buy a lightweight canopy that could me moved or used as needed that wouldn't take up must space or take over your design elements. Just thinking out loud over here.

Path of least resistance. Going to move the whole shooting back toward
the fence behind it ... IOW, back two legs will be off the platform onto
paving stone piers the same height as the platform, leaving the front
legs on the platform ... by moving the whole thing back about 3' will
give me the space I want, and it hopefully will look less like the
Titanic sitting on a fishing pier.

That will put the swing "in the trees".

Also going to put two wooden platforms below the existing struts on
either side to hold drinks and to give it more of a woody look.

Then, going to steal Sonny's design, and make a proper swing to replace
that one.

Thanks, Sonny!! ;)

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Sc

Sonny

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 5:42 AM

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 5:45:51 AM UTC-6, G. Ross wrote:

> Yes, the back does bring to mind a mushroom cloud.

LOL. I didn't see it as a mushroom cloud, but it does look odd and ugly, compared to some of my other designs/contours for backrests.

But looks like a
> well-made swing. Looks a little heavy, it would look heavier if I was
> in it. I like the arm rests.

I like to think the armrest design is my own. I use this design on lots of my seating pieces.

The chains on the outside of the arms/framing is doable and strong, as long as the construction is solid, as here....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/4035792152/in/photostream/
and here....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/10574582294/in/dateposted-public/

Sonny

On

OFWW

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 9:34 AM

On Wed, 20 Jan 2016 10:05:35 -0600, -MIKE- <[email protected]>
wrote:

>On 1/19/16 10:37 PM, Sonny wrote:
>> For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the
>> backrest. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing,
>> as I had thought they might. I can always trim more off of those
>> oval shapes, once I see where the chains run.
>>
>> The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support
>> chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I
>> don't want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside
>> the arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed,
>> some, at least.
>>
>> The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and
>> comfortable, also. https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?
>>
>> Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we
>> all went to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still
>> likes dancing to the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at
>> our best.
>>
>> Sonny
>>
>
>Great work! I like that slab table, too.
Yeah, that was total killer!

Mm

-MIKE-

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 10:05 AM

On 1/19/16 10:37 PM, Sonny wrote:
> For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the
> backrest. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing,
> as I had thought they might. I can always trim more off of those
> oval shapes, once I see where the chains run.
>
> The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support
> chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I
> don't want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside
> the arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed,
> some, at least.
>
> The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and
> comfortable, also. https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?
>
> Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we
> all went to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still
> likes dancing to the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at
> our best.
>
> Sonny
>

Great work! I like that slab table, too.


--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply

EC

Electric Comet

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 9:01 AM

On Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:37:45 -0800 (PST)
Sonny <[email protected]> wrote:

> The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support
> chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I
> don't want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside
> the arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed,
> some, at least.


originality always is good to see

i have seen large thick sisal rope used effectively for swings

include some fancy knots and it really look great


sisal is durable and lasting also holds up well in sun










On

OFWW

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 9:34 AM

On Wed, 20 Jan 2016 10:26:44 -0600, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:

>On 1/20/2016 5:45 AM, G. Ross wrote:
>
>> Just run the chain through them like you're supposed to--it makes the
>> swing more stable.
>
>I agree ... running the front chains though the arm rests, and down to
>the seat frame along the front two posts, makes it very difficult to
>flip the swing, something we were good at as kids.
>
>That aside, Sonny's cypress swing is an absolutely beautiful swing
>design. Gonna have to keep the photo away from Linda, or I'll be copying
>it before this week is through.
>
>We are currently battling on whether to keep this one.
>
>https://picasaweb.google.com/111355467778981859077/BackyardDeckedPlatform2015?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ3Z9L2S7d_CJg#6240447332556198274
>
> I want to replace it with a smaller, modern, metal yard swing with
>canopy, but she wants me to either make one out of wood that suits me
>(this frame is too big for the location for my tastes), or salvage it
>in some manner.
>
>She sees Sonny's photo, the battle is over ...

LOL, after seeing Sonny's swing and the revisiting yours, it reminded
me of that bag commercial.

Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy,
Hefty, Hefty, Hefty.

GR

"G. Ross"

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 6:45 AM

Sonny wrote:
> For the camp's porch swing, I alter my usual general design of the backrest. The oval sides of the upper backrest are not appealing, as I had thought they might. I can always trim more off of those oval shapes, once I see where the chains run.
>
> The purpose of those wider than usual sides was to hide the support chains. Typically, the chains are run through the armrests. I don't want the chains to run through the armrests, but to run outside the arms....and framing. Anyway, those oval sides will be trimmed, some, at least.
>
> The seat is comfortable and the arms are a good height and comfortable, also.
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?
>
> Yesterday was Mom's 92nd birthday. The family took photos, then we all went to Prejeans (eatery/live music) for dinner. Mom still likes dancing to the Cajun music. The pic is of Mom and I.... at our best.
>
> Sonny
>
Yes, the back does bring to mind a mushroom cloud. But looks like a
well-made swing. Looks a little heavy, it would look heavier if I was
in it. I like the arm rests. Just run the chain through them like
you're supposed to--it makes the swing more stable.

--
GW Ross

Instant gratification takes too long.
--Carrie Fisher





Sk

Swingman

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 10:26 AM

On 1/20/2016 5:45 AM, G. Ross wrote:

> Just run the chain through them like you're supposed to--it makes the
> swing more stable.

I agree ... running the front chains though the arm rests, and down to
the seat frame along the front two posts, makes it very difficult to
flip the swing, something we were good at as kids.

That aside, Sonny's cypress swing is an absolutely beautiful swing
design. Gonna have to keep the photo away from Linda, or I'll be copying
it before this week is through.

We are currently battling on whether to keep this one.

https://picasaweb.google.com/111355467778981859077/BackyardDeckedPlatform2015?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ3Z9L2S7d_CJg#6240447332556198274

I want to replace it with a smaller, modern, metal yard swing with
canopy, but she wants me to either make one out of wood that suits me
(this frame is too big for the location for my tastes), or salvage it
in some manner.

She sees Sonny's photo, the battle is over ...

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On

OFWW

in reply to Sonny on 19/01/2016 8:37 PM

20/01/2016 12:11 PM

On Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:48:18 -0600, Swingman <[email protected]> wrote:

>On 1/20/2016 11:34 AM, OFWW wrote:
>> LOL, after seeing Sonny's swing and the revisiting yours, it reminded
>> me of that bag commercial.
>>
>> Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy,
>> Hefty, Hefty, Hefty.
>
>There's swings ... then there's thrones that swing.
>;)

Yes, I did get that impression. Grand pieces of furniture they are.


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