Featuring the finest Adirondack Furniture Plans

    This is the latest version of the Jake's Chair file (updated April 08, 1998) which has become one of the most popular and widely distributed sets of woodworking plans since the inception of the Internet. The wonderfully detailed text file and accompanying images were created by Thomas A. Gauldin for free distribution and Tom is eager to hear from you regarding your experiences building Jake's Chair.

    The W⁵ used to feature the entire file in HTML format but since everyone eventually downloads the original in .zip format, I decided to post only a bit of information here then you can simply download the zip file for the instructions and drawings (images).

Here is a bit of what Tom says in the introduction...

THE CONCEPT: by Thomas Gauldin

    Long ago, when deep porches surrounded the front of a house, we kids would gather on Judge Robertson's front porch to discuss the state of the neighborhood and to plan our day's mischief. Jake never minded the extra kids, since he had five of his own to add to our group. While Spirea bushes helped to cool and conceal the porch on hot summer days, Jake's big, comfortable, porch chairs were the main attraction.

    Wars were fought on those hot Missouri afternoons over who would get the chairs, and who would be left to sit on the front steps or porch railing. All the Judge's chairs were of the same design, and were made for a big man. Jake had the chairs built to his own specifications. While reminiscent of Adirondack chairs, Jake's Chair was different. The back curved gently and the seat was contoured. The chair was as big as Jake, and just as solid, but retained the gentle lines of good furniture design.

   My recreation of Jake's Chair includes:

1. Level arms reinforced to withstand the weight of a child "perching" on them;
2. Arms that extend forward to assist in rising from the chair; that permit placing a beverage without bending the wrist;
3. Contoured seat and curved back that is "just right" for use either with or without a cushion;
4. A deep well at the base of the back to eliminate the "lump" from the bend of a cushion and to prevent its movement;
5. Arms that are at "reading height" for holding a book;
6. Good stability. . . and above all - comfort!
7. The ability to STACK two or even three chairs, to save floor space when storing them for the winter.

    JAKE'S CHAIR is designed as a construction project for the beginning woodworker. Extensive attention is given to speed and ease of construction, with a minimum of tools. While a quite satisfactory version of Jake's Chair can be built with just a circular saw, saber saw and drill, optional directions are added for routing many edges with a 3/8" rounding over bit for a more refined look. Directions are aimed at the beginning woodworker, but should not bore even an experienced person.

    Since any project produces scraps, the plans also include a footstool that can be made using scrap and additional material. The matching footstool is as sturdy as Jake's Chair, and is also useful as a step stool, seat, or even a low table.

    Unlike a flat-backed chair recently built on the New Yankee Workshop, there is no need for stationary tools or difficult compound cuts. Besides, Jake's Chair is more attractive than Norm's, and can be used either with or without a cushion.

    Since I am also a woodworker, practical advice is given in the selection of the material at the lumberyard along with a discussion of layout of the pattern pieces on the boards to save lumber. Flexibility of construction and material are a hallmark of JAKE'S CHAIR. For example, only two small cuts need to be deepened if the builder decides to use 1" or even 1- 1/2" material. These places are clearly marked on the plans.

    The plans, photographs and text file for Jake's chair and its matching footstool are available in .ZIP format absolutely FREE here.

    Included in the file is a great blow-by-blow description of how to build the chair, individual drawings or each part in .bmp format, that can be printed out on typing paper, photos of the completed chair and detail photos of the different views- all color coded to the plans. The .bmp format is the format used by PAINT, included in all Windows packages.

    And if you are a Mac user, you're not left out in the cold because Tom has put together the same informative package for the Mac user. Click here for the jake_mac.zip file.

    The file is an example of how Internet sites such as this can be used by us to transmit plans, drawings and pictures to enhance our discussions on rec.woodworking. The only formal requirement is that the plans and photos not be sold. You are free to copy them and share them with others, however. Chairs built from the plans may be sold commercially, if desired. My only requirement for use of the plans and photos is that the chair and footstool always be identified as a "Jake's Chair."

Tom Gauldin
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 263-8804 voice/fax
tgauldin@lvcm.com