Ep 5. The Chair Maker

In season 2 episode 5 of A Craftsman's Legacy, entitled "The Chair Maker", host Eric Gorges visits a master woodworker by the name of Brian Boggs in Asheville, North Carolina. Boggs is known for his unique and elegant chairs, which he creates using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology.

Gorges begins the episode by introducing viewers to Boggs' workshop, which is located in a beautiful natural setting in the mountains of western North Carolina. Boggs himself is shown at work on one of his signature chairs, slowly shaping a piece of wood into a graceful and ergonomic form using hand tools.

As Gorges chats with Boggs, viewers get a sense of the artist's passion for his craft. Boggs explains that he is particularly drawn to chair-making because it involves so many different skills, including woodworking, engineering, and design. He also notes that chairs are unique in that they need to be both functional and beautiful, which can be a difficult balance to strike.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a close-up look at Boggs' creative process. He starts by sketching out his chair designs on paper, carefully considering both the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of each piece. He then moves on to the workshop, where he uses a combination of hand tools and power tools to shape and join the pieces of wood that will make up the chair.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is watching Boggs use his CNC machine to create precise cuts and shapes in the wood. He notes that this tool has revolutionized his work, allowing him to make repeatable shapes and patterns that would be very difficult to achieve by hand.

Throughout the episode, Boggs also shares some of the challenges he faces as a chair-maker. One of the biggest is working with the natural variations in the wood itself. Each piece of wood has its own quirks and characteristics, and it takes real skill and experience to be able to work with these variations and create a chair that is both functional and beautiful.

Another major challenge is figuring out how to make chairs that are both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Boggs notes that many chairs look great but are actually quite uncomfortable to sit in, particularly over long periods of time. He spends a lot of time experimenting with different designs and materials to create chairs that are both beautiful and ergonomic.

As the episode draws to a close, Gorges sits down with Boggs to reflect on the experience. He notes that watching Boggs work has been a real inspiration, and that he has learned a lot about the art and craft of chair-making. Boggs himself notes that he feels privileged to be able to spend his life doing something he loves, and that he hopes his work will inspire others to take up the craft as well.

All in all, "The Chair Maker" is a fascinating glimpse into the world of a master craftsman. Boggs' passion for his work is evident throughout the episode, and viewers will come away with a new appreciation for the skill and creativity that goes into making a beautiful and functional chair.