Andirondack chair questions

[chrisusvi]

Hello,

I am a newbie woodworker and I'm going to attempt to make an andirondack chair with one of those actual size blue prints that I got from Better Homes and Gardens mail order. Question about the actual size blue prints, do I actually cut out the pieces from the blue prints and use each piece to trace on the actual stock?

My first question is, what is a good stable wood to make the chair out of? Please list a couple of different woods please. Where I live the wood choices a limited. I live in a moist climate year round. What is the best finish for outdoor chairs that will last the longest?

Finally, what are some tools to use to make my life a little easier when I start to build this chair.

Thanks for any information given.

chrisusvi

[old_guy]

Generally, I think it is easier to transfer the dimensions to the wood with a ruler, compass, & pencil rather than cutting up the blueprints. Especially where the parts are not particularly intricate, such as an adirondack chair. But I think it is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Western red cedar, redwood, cypress, white oak are all good outdoors woods. There are some outdoor oil products that preserve the natural wood look while preforming well outdoors. Paint is also a good preserver. Regardless of what you choose, you will have to maintain it from time to time. I'm not sure about the other woods mentioned above, by I know that with cypress you don't have to put anything on it, and it will simply developed a gray patina over the years. Sadly, my wife didn't like that look, & after about 8 years forced me to paint my cypress adirondack chairs. I've never quite forgiven her!

I have a friend that does nothing but build adirondack chairs and uses nothing but a handheld sabre saw. I would prefer at least a bandsaw.

[bogydave]

I like "old guy's" idea. cypress & no paint, no maintenance.
Sorry to hear you had to paint a pefectly good chair.

[Don]

Hey, Chris and welcome to the forum. One method for transferring lines without cutting up the plans is to use a pounce wheel and carbon paper. As old guy allowed, many parts will simply be a layout issue using typical tools.

If you want to cut the plans, consider just cutting "sight/alignment holes" and then just the edge(s) that have a shape to them. This leaves the plans intact and allows you to trace as well.

A minimum of a good jig saw, drill/driver and drills, an assortment of screws, possibly dowel pins, and screwdriver tips for the screwgun. This should get you going in the right direction.

Good luck and post some pics as you build them.

dawjr