Sculpted Elegance: Crafting a Maloof-Inspired Rocker with Chairmaker Jeff Wyatt
5 Days: Monday-Friday, August 18th - 22nd, 2025, 8AM-5PM
Tuition:
$2,000 - Cherry
$2,500 - Walnut
Ages: 18 & Up
Instructor: Jeff Wyatt
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
Join master woodworker Jeff Wyatt in our Sculpted Elegance: Crafting a Maloof-Inspired Rocker course, where you will design and build a beautiful, sculptured rocking chair inspired by the iconic style of Sam Maloof. Over the course of this workshop, you’ll dive deep into advanced woodworking techniques, blending both artistry and craftsmanship to create a functional piece of art.
This course offers a comprehensive experience, guiding you through the entire process of constructing your own rocker—from the initial coopered seat to the final finishing touches. You’ll learn to master various woodworking techniques, including laminating and bending wood, shaping spindles, and assembling complex joinery. By the end of this course, you’ll not only have a stunning Maloof-inspired rocker but also the skills to continue crafting sophisticated furniture pieces in your own shop. With a maximum of 5 students, you'll receive personalized instruction in a fully equipped woodworking machine room.
Learning Objectives:
Build and sculpt a coopered seat, mastering the foundational structure of your rocker.
Create precise leg-to-seat joinery, ensuring the stability and durability of your chair.
Shape spindles using rasps, spokeshaves, and scrapers, achieving the fine details characteristic of a Maloof-style rocker.
Laminate and bend wood to create S-curved rocker sleds, learning to work with forms for precise, sweeping curves.
Sculpt a set of sweeping arms, adding both comfort and elegance to your design.
Fit the headrest perfectly, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.
Assemble your rocker using screws and Miller Dowels, combining strength with traditional craftsmanship.
Learn finishing techniques to apply in your own shop, giving your rocker a professional, long-lasting finish.
By the end of this course, you’ll have crafted a personalized Maloof-inspired rocking chair that reflects your craftsmanship and artistic vision, ready to become a cherished piece in any home.
Tool List:
Power carving: Angle Grinder with carving disks. Suggested carving discs include Holey Galahad Coarse and Holey Galahad Fine, though other brands will work too.
Respirator
Gloves (leather)
Rasps Combi Rasp– 5 Grain on one side with 9 on the other
Modeler’s Rasp 13 Grain
Cabinetmaker’s Rasp 12″– 10 Grain.
Marking Knife
6 ” Square
Fractional Dial Calipers
Small Router Plane (Lie Neilsen if possible)
Wheel Type Marking Gauge
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 5
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If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: pending
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date:
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.