Star gazer chairs

As promised here is how to build a Star Gazer Chair. If you are looking for a simple way to make your medieval encampment more authentic then this is a good start that can be made on a budget. You are going to need a few tools to do this. A circular saw, scroll saw, sandpaper, paint brush, tape measure (optional: router or wood burning iron if you choose to decorate with scroll work or design)

I originally saw a design like this in a boy scout camp. I've since seen similar designs at many different reenactments. I've heard them referred to as star gazer chairs, Viking chairs, bog chairs. There are a couple of simple ways to make these but any way you go you end up with a comfortable wooden chair that takes up very little space when packing and will last you for many years.

First go to the store and buy a 2"x12" board 8 ft long. Treated lumber isn't a bad way to go but if you want to be fancy you can also purchase a hardwood piece of lumber like oak or walnut for a few more dollars. You can also purchase a stain of your favorite color for when the project is finished.

Cut the board into 2 - 4 ft long pieces. Now there are a couple of ways that I have seen this done and it is really just a matter of personal preference how you choose to do it.

One way is to come back 12" from one end and cut a 1 1/2" x 7" hole in the center of one of the boards. The other board come back 12" from one end then cut the rest into a 7" wide piece centered on that piece. To assemble the chair the 7" piece is inserted into the 7" wide hole forming an X pattern. Or you can use the dimensions from this drawing.

The other way I've seen is simpler to cut out. The two boards are cut with a 1 1/2" slot in the side 12" from the end exactly half way through the board. To assemble it slide the slots into one another forming the X pattern.

Now for decorating it is up to your imagination and artistic ability. I have seen some very nice scroll work and burn work done on these. I have also seen people that just cut their chair out of a board and used it as is. It is all up to you. Enjoy

Thorne the Mercenary.