Adirondack Chair using pocket holes

[Jon Drew]

I'm getting ready to build an Adirondack chair based on a design by Norm Abrahm.  His design is from the early 90's which is before the time of the Kreg pocket hole jig I believe.  Any advice on assembly such as do's or dont's?  I am using tamerack that is 3/4" thick.  This way if I screw it up I can at least roast marshmallows over it and not be out a lot of cash.  If I get it right the next one will be cedar.  I am sure there are a few parts of this chair that will need something stronger that a pocket hole screw and a few that may only require a brad nail so I don't expect this to be 100% pocket hole construction.  All thoughts and ideas are welcome.  The lumber is planed and jointed and I am about to start making the parts. 

 

Jon

[James Waller]

Is this your first project using the jig? A few tips I can give you is...

1. Make sure of the dimension of your lumber, especially when using plywood, so your jig settings are correct.

2. Use scraps to test your jig settings and adjust either the collar on the bit or the guide on the jig until you get the desired results.

3. Read your jig user's manual and look at the provided images when making other than normal 90 degree pocket holes.

4. Use the correct size screws for your project's lumber size.

5. Drink plenty of fluids.

I'm sure others will have more tips, but the number one tip anyone will give you..."Work safely!"

[Jon Drew]

Hi James,

Thanks for the reply, this is not my first project, just my first Adirondack chair.  All lumber is correct but I am wondering if anyone has any advice on fastners and placement whether that be the pocket hole screws, brad nails, carriage bolts, etc.  I am going for a look that hopefully has as many of the fasteners hidden as possible.  I don't really want to use plugs of any sort if I don't have too.

[mike]

You can check out www.anawhite.com for plans. On main page there is a video which links to plans for adirondack chairs.

[James Waller]

Do you have plans, cutlist or any images that may help you? Is this the chair you plan on making....

You can get ideas as to where you need carriage bolts for support. I doubt that Norm used a Kreg Jig, but I'm sure there are ways to modify the project to use pocket hole joinery. Here is a link to this chair for free plans....free chair plans....you just provide your email and then next screen you click on "Get plan" and a pdf file will open up showing the chair's plan, then save or print for future use.

[James Waller]

I know you might be set on doing the chair from Norm Abram, but check out this video from Lowe's shop class....

Adirondack Chair

[Jon Drew]

Hi James,

Yes the chair in the picture is the one I'm creating.  I am a draftsman by trade so I took a 3D CAD model based on this picture and reverse engineered it into all the seperate pieces and made 3D and 2D plans out of everything.  Hopefully I have all the correct dimensions for every piece.  We'll find out, either I'll be sitting in it roasting marshmallows or roasting marshmallows over it in the fire. ;)

[James Waller]

Hey, I will join you and we can also do that campfire scene from "Blazing Saddles".   LOL

[Tim Wall]

Hi Jon,

How did this project turn out?  Are there any pictures posted.  I still new to this site so I'm still learning to navigate.

Tim

Jon Drew said:

Hi James,

Yes the chair in the picture is the one I'm creating.  I am a draftsman by trade so I took a 3D CAD model based on this picture and reverse engineered it into all the seperate pieces and made 3D and 2D plans out of everything.  Hopefully I have all the correct dimensions for every piece.  We'll find out, either I'll be sitting in it roasting marshmallows or roasting marshmallows over it in the fire. ;)