On Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:25:47 -0800 (PST), Jeff
wrote:

On Feb 12, 8:57 am, Phisherman wrote:
I'm planning to make several dining chairs. The seat will be the most
challenging part and the key part of the chair since it will need to
firmly secure all the legs and back spindles. I need to start with a
block of (probably white) pine 15" x 15" and 1.5" thick. Should this
be a solid piece, or how should this be constructed (glued up)? I'd
appreciate suggestions or reference material. The chair I'm trying to
somewhat replicate is an Enfield Shaker dining chair (circa 1834).
Thanks.

My initial instinct was glued up but your choice of wood gives me
pause. I've never worked with a high quality eastern white pine. (I
use the cheaper stuff for upholstery frames). A little googling seems
to indicate the shakers liked solid wood seats. If you can get some
furniture grade 8/4 eastern white pine, then I'd think you'd want a
single piece.

My concern would be securing the spindles so they last. Have you
thought about how you'll do that? You might heat them first (in a can
of heated sand) or maybe wedge the tenons. I'd lean toward the first
option.

Cheers,
Jeff

Thanks. You're right about the Shakers using solid pieces. My main
concern here is stability of the wood and possible splitting. However,
a solid piece may look better.

I made a settee 8 years ago and secured the 18 spindles (1/2"
diameter) to the pine seat and the top rail using Elmer's Woodworker's
glue. The legs (1" diameter) were inserted into through mortises and
wedged with walnut pieces. Everything is holding well, although the
pine seat now shows some acceptable wear, nicks and dents. My plan is
to do the same with the dining chairs.