The design of these rockers involves maximising the unique work of nature. The objective is to visualise the finished chair with the beauty and symmetry of the figure/grain of the wood shown at its best.
The initial rough sawn timber is skim planed to allow the observation of the figure of each length that is available for the chair. Templates of the different components of the rocker are then laid out in order to choose the most appropriate place to cut each one from to achieve that objective. It is not until the chair is structurally completed and the first coat of finish applied that this care and attention to detail at the outset is appreciated.
Unlike many similar chairs, the grain in the headrest is vertical and not the easier way of horizontal. Made up of a number of pieces angled and glued together (as in the coopering of a barrel) that will allow the desired depth of radius to be formed.
This also creates repetition of form, as the grain is all in the same direction - rockers, legs, seat, arms, back braces and headrest. The seat is constructed from four to six pieces, again chosen to maximise the figure of the wood.
The back braces and rockers are constructed by lamination, as are the gentle and strength giving transitions from the rockers to the legs. This also adds to the sculptural and flowing appeal of the chair. The rockers are made up of nine strips of 3mm (1/8") each, their minimal thickness making them easy to bend to the desired shape (like the bow in a bow and arrow) which are then glued and clamped to each other in a specially made former to achieve the desired radius.
This results in a very strong component, stronger than if the shape had been cut from one piece of solid timber (because there is no short grain). The back braces are similarly made of four, even thinner pieces, 2.3mm (90 thou. inch) with the middle two being made of Ash, which is used for its strength and flexibility. They are so shaped to provide good lumbar support and are also designed to move and flex in their locations, when the chair is sat in.
The top of the arms are sculptured ensuring the forearms rest easily.
The extra length at the rear of the rockers is a health and safety plus point, fully resisting a backwards fall if for any reason the chair is rocked too aggressively.
The finish is numerously coated and hand rubbed with Danish Oil and finally waxed, which really brings out the figure and beauty of the wood. The use of Danish Oil means that in the future, any severe scratches/dents can be repaired quite easily and then re-oiled. It is at this point that the care and attention taken in the laying out can be appreciated. A process that is not found on mass produced products.
A silky smooth finish can only be achieved as a result of the time and effort put in pre polishing. Many hours are spent at this critical stage, to an extent that before the finishing oil is applied, the chair looks to the eye as if it has already been polished!