Slab Chair?

[Carl Fowler III]

Not really sure just where I saw a chair like this, but would like to find either the chair or plans on how to make one. It only has 2 slabs of wood (looks like 2 pcs of 2x8's) some how hooked together in the middle making it look like a big "X" only the angle would be less acute allowing a person to sit down and lean back. :bow:

 

[Rifleman1776]

hotoSmile:
Without a pic, I can only guess at what you are talking about. If it is what my mind envisions, yes, just two slabs fit together with a slot in each piece. Very uncomfortable. But, if you get the seat piece the right length and the angle correct they are (almost) survivable to sit in.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I think you mean a Plank Chair? :grin: Scroll down to the fourth set of photos. I think they are really old... medieval... so might be OK.

LD

 

[Ringel05]

Working out my primitive camping setup. I like this one.........

:thumbsup:

 

[necchi]

I started with "plank chairs" like those in LD's link, they are inexpensive/free if you have the wood, take up little space when transporting and you can get them set up to be a comfortable sit.
But,
The length of the seat part that sticks out back, to give it the proper angle and stability takes up a lot of space and make wonderful trip hazards!!
I finally got tired of stumbling over'm day and night and sold them to the another unsuspecting victim, uhm, I'm mean flatlander.

 

[preston cook]

what satellite dish and big screen :stir: :v

 

[Coot]

I started with "plank chairs" like those in LD's link, they are inexpensive/free if you have the wood, take up little space when transporting and you can get them set up to be a comfortable sit.
But,
The length of the seat part that sticks out back, to give it the proper angle and stability takes up a lot of space and make wonderful trip hazards!!
I finally got tired of stumbling over'm day and night and sold them to the another unsuspecting victim, uhm, I'm mean flatlander.

They will also tip over & dump you out if you happen to nod off in one. :redface: Sturdy - but you cannot easily stand on one to say hook on a ridge pole; take little space to transport but are heavy if weight is a concern. I prefer folding stools or if transport space allows, a real chair. If you want to experiment for yourself, the picture in L Dave's link above shows how they are cut out (the back could be lower in those shown).

 

[Carl Fowler III]

Yes sir, that was the chair I was looking for...is it just me or does that chair look comfy? Thank you very much!

Ringel05, you must have ordered the Presidential suite! :wink:

I will build one just to see how it feels...and if doesn't work out I'll give it as a gift to my cousin and enjoy the nightly show....a good trip is worth a thousand laughs! :rotf:

 

[Black Hand]

...is it just me or does that chair look comfy?

In actuality, they are not very comfortable at all...

 

[rustyh]

I have built 2 of those out of 2X12's they are heavy but surprisingly comfortable. One high back and one low back. I do pad the seat and back with a folded blanket if I am going to be sitting for a while.

 

[Alden]

I'm always afraid I'LL be the one to break the damn things and never sit in 'em. Besides, I KNOW I would fall asleep and out of one. Lotta 'em sitting around folks' campfires.

 

[mmahlock]

To add a bit of levity to this conversation, a few years ago I was searching for antique chairs and I hit the mother load of chairs like these and many were dated to the 18th and 19th C. Unfortunately they were all identified as "African Birthing Chairs" To this day I wish I'd have saved both the link and the images/descriptions of these chairs. Oh Well.

 

[RJL]

I too started with 1 of those chairs that I had made after seeing another in camp. comfortable-ish depends a lot on the seat height and back angle. I was given 2 more and passed those on to friends who knew no better! my friend 3crows now refers to them as "African birthing chairs" too. I traded up to a canoe chair and a Washington folding chair with a back support and never looked back.

 

[Carl Fowler III]

Well I got me some plans and differing dimension sizes to build the plank chair...built two and we like em! Played with the height and angle to fit our differing body sizes...ours seem very stable...now the customizing begins! Thanks for all the input, it really helped us get this accomplished! :v

 

[RJL]

I'm glad to hear you like them. if they don't quite turn out as comfortable as you expect, the back piece will make an excellent grave marker? :rotf:

 

[flintlock75]

They are Viking cross frame chairs, I made several out of 2x12 lumber, after getting the height and angle adjusted I love them. I have been using mine for 20 years, I put a sheepskin on mine and have fallen asleep many time but only tipped over a few times.

 

[Muskeg Stomper]

I've seen you snoozing in yours more than once Flintlock 75.

 

[Wes/Tex]

FWIW: Another very old design style is the Germanic "Bretstuhl" or board seat or something close. The point is they are basically a back and seat boards with the back inserted through a rectangular cut out and pinned with wood pins. Originally, the legs are in pairs with each 2 attached into a long board which slips into long dove-tails cut along the seat board bottom and wood pinned into the seat board. The whole thing could be assembled and disassembled though nearly all that have survived have been pretty much nailed, screwed or glued together during the last century or more. Have had a couple in the store over the years. One had a whole double facing eagle back board...thought Hapsburgs or Romanovs but not exactly right. Possibly off-shoot of either or neither. They are a cool, very old design from as early as 16th century.

http://www.garths.com/auction-lot-...mypage=1&salelot=1074+++++219+&refno=++216388

 

[Rifleman1776]

I think you mean a Plank Chair? :grin: Scroll down to the fourth set of photos. I think they are really old... medieval... so might be OK.

LD

Yep, those are the ones. Killer uncomfortable. :td:

 

[coloradoclyde]

I call them unwanted guest chairs...after ten minutes their butt and back hurt and their legs begin to fall asleep.. they get up and leave. :rotf: