"Gary A in KC" wrote in
. com:

The 2 rockers I've built use curved, laminated back slats. Probably 1
1/4" wide with total thickness probably just under 3/8" or so. The
curve gives tremendous lumbar support and the thickness gives a small
amount of flex for comfort. A real nice trick is how they are inserted
into the seat and the crest rail. The top and bottom of the slats are
shaped down to round dowel shapes. Then the mating holes in the seat
and crest rail are drilled twice. Once dead vertical, then a second
time slightly offset and at about an 8 degree angle. This gives the
slats some built it flex and stress relief to further help the slats
conform to your back. Overall, everyone who has sat in the chairs has
been surprised how comfortable they are for a solid wood chair and
that you can sit in them for a great length of time without fatigue or
discomfort.

Gary in KC


I've seen similar techiques used for dining chairs - in Woodwork magazine.
Haven't built those yet either.

Any posted pictures of your work you'd care to share?

Patriarch