Chairmaking Tools

Instructions for using
and sharpening these
travishers can be
found here.

An article about the pros
and cons of 6 versus
11 degree tapered
tenons can be
found here.

Instructions for using
these reamers can
be found here.

Chairmaking Tools

Travishers

4.5" Radius:

Based on a design by chairmaker Peter Galbert, these travishers are made specifically for chair seats. Maple soles are glued onto the walnut bodies for increased wear resistance. Blades are hand forged from 1/8" thick O1 tool steel and bent in a 4.5" radius, tight enough to fit in the back of the very deepest of seats. A joy to use, they come honed and ready for use. Made in conjunction with Bill Anderson, a good friend and longtime woodworker.

12" radius:

While visiting Dave Sawyer, professional Windsor chairmaker for over thirty years, I found he used a travisher with an 12" radius to great effect on the front half of his seats. Final surfacing of the seat was easier because the travisher's curve closely matched the seat's curve, leaving a flatter surface. While not as versatile as the 4.5" radius travisher above, this flatter one complements it nicely.

Travishers are $110 each.

Deluxe Travishers

Functional sculpture, these beautiful curly maple travishers will be showpiece of any tool chest. The handles are contoured to fit the hand comfortably and Ebony sole plates are virtually wear proof. Blades are bent from 1/8" thick O1 tool steel and come in two radii, 4.5" and 12".

$200 each
A set of two is $350

Rounders

Legs and Arm Stumps:

Used for the final fitting of arm stump and leg tenons, these maple rounders cut a perfect six degree taper every time in a matter of seconds. Has two handles for left or right handed use and can be used freehand or clamped in a vise. The carbon steel blade comes honed and ready for use. Leg rounders are 11/16" diameter at the small end and the arm stump rounder is 1/2". Custom rounders are available in 8 and 11 degree tapers, as well as custom sizes.

Spindles:

Getting a round, perfectly sized tenon on the end of a spindle is time-consuming by hand. This tool cuts a 1" long tenon and then a shallow taper which can later be removed with a spokeshave or drawknife. As an added bonus, these rounders can be used on the lathe to make beautiful dowels. The tenon diameter is adjustable up to around .015" over the stated size. Available in the standard ½" size and 7/16" for high chairs and such.

All Rounders are $55 each.
Custom sizes are available at $65 each.

Reamers

Companion to the rounders above, this indispensable tool reams the arm stump and leg holes in the seat to a six degree taper. The fast cutting double-edged scraper blade comes sharpened and ready for use. The blade is 5/16" at the small end and 1 1/2" at the large end. Custom reamers are available in 8 and 11 degree tapers, as well as custom sizes.

Reamers are $55 each.
Custom reamers are available at $65 each.

Set of Four

Everything you need to make perfect arm stump, leg and spindle joints! Includes one arm stump rounder, one leg rounder, one spindle rounder and one reamer. A set of three is also available; you may mix and match any combination of rounders and reamers.

A set of four is $190
A set of three is $150


Instructions for using and sharpening these travishers can be found here. An article about the pros and cons of 6 versus 11 degree tapered tenons can be found here. Instructions for using these reamers can be found here.		Chairmaking Tools Travishers 4.5" Radius: Based on a design by chairmaker Peter Galbert, these travishers are made specifically for chair seats. Maple soles are glued onto the walnut bodies for increased wear resistance. Blades are hand forged from 1/8" thick O1 tool steel and bent in a 4.5" radius, tight enough to fit in the back of the very deepest of seats. A joy to use, they come honed and ready for use. Made in conjunction with Bill Anderson, a good friend and longtime woodworker. 12" radius: While visiting Dave Sawyer, professional Windsor chairmaker for over thirty years, I found he used a travisher with an 12" radius to great effect on the front half of his seats. Final surfacing of the seat was easier because the travisher's curve closely matched the seat's curve, leaving a flatter surface. While not as versatile as the 4.5" radius travisher above, this flatter one complements it nicely. Travishers are $110 each. Deluxe Travishers Functional sculpture, these beautiful curly maple travishers will be showpiece of any tool chest. The handles are contoured to fit the hand comfortably and Ebony sole plates are virtually wear proof. Blades are bent from 1/8" thick O1 tool steel and come in two radii, 4.5" and 12". $200 each A set of two is $350 Rounders Legs and Arm Stumps: Used for the final fitting of arm stump and leg tenons, these maple rounders cut a perfect six degree taper every time in a matter of seconds. Has two handles for left or right handed use and can be used freehand or clamped in a vise. The carbon steel blade comes honed and ready for use. Leg rounders are 11/16" diameter at the small end and the arm stump rounder is 1/2". Custom rounders are available in 8 and 11 degree tapers, as well as custom sizes. Spindles: Getting a round, perfectly sized tenon on the end of a spindle is time-consuming by hand. This tool cuts a 1" long tenon and then a shallow taper which can later be removed with a spokeshave or drawknife. As an added bonus, these rounders can be used on the lathe to make beautiful dowels. The tenon diameter is adjustable up to around .015" over the stated size. Available in the standard ½" size and 7/16" for high chairs and such. All Rounders are $55 each. Custom sizes are available at $65 each. Reamers Companion to the rounders above, this indispensable tool reams the arm stump and leg holes in the seat to a six degree taper. The fast cutting double-edged scraper blade comes sharpened and ready for use. The blade is 5/16" at the small end and 1 1/2" at the large end. Custom reamers are available in 8 and 11 degree tapers, as well as custom sizes. Reamers are $55 each. Custom reamers are available at $65 each. Set of Four Everything you need to make perfect arm stump, leg and spindle joints! Includes one arm stump rounder, one leg rounder, one spindle rounder and one reamer. A set of three is also available; you may mix and match any combination of rounders and reamers. A set of four is $190 A set of three is $150