Catsperch

[davehunt]

Three viewing chances in May,none so far this month-so I am considering getting plans for the fabled Catsperch chair from the US to keep myself fixed on things astronomical.Has anyone had a bash at one of these-I am thinking of using marine ply,since all oak in this country was used up building Nelson's Navy.Experiences from fellow wood butchers very welcome to this very frustrated stargazer.

[roundycat]

Not all of the oak was nicked by H Nelson! I made this a few years ago. The oak was so hard I had to buy an electric planer. Marine ply might be a bit bendy.

Dennis

[davehunt]

Very nice-take your point about bendy marine ply,but the component parts are not really long enough for flex to be much of a problem.Where did you source your oak-a re-cycled ship of the line?!

[glowjet]

You need to get along to your nearest timber specialist, they deal ( excuse the pun ) in all sorts of British and foreign timbers, your project could be made in Beech, Ash or Oak which should be readily available, I have one not far from me who I think also do mail order, that is John Boddy of Boroughbridge N.Yorkshire

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

One potential problem with beech is that it rots FAR more quickly than oak or ash. If you use it on a concrete or paved surface, you are OK, but on grass or muddy surfaces it will require careful cleaning and drying afterwards. Beech is really more suitable for use indoors. Ash is probably best, as it is a lot toucher than oak.

[roundycat]

My Dad happened to have some old pieces of Oak in the shed and they were there for years. Some of them were recovered mantel shelfs and so on. You may be able to get some decent bits at a salvage specialist.

Dennis

[davehunt]

Thanks guys.I must live in the only part of the country that has few if any salvage places,and no timber specialists that I can find.And I shall rot long before any beech will!

[Ad Astra]

Hi Dave,

I looked at the Cat's Perch chair, but I had some problems with it:

1) It didn't seem stable enough for me, especially if the person on the chair was on the heavier side.

2) It didn't fold up compactly for travel (3 pieces).

My solution to this was to DIY a new design. I posted the chair with plans for you here on SGL. Just click <HERE> and you can download it for free. I used 3/4" red oak to build my version. It comes in at about 10Kg (a bit heavy, but very sturdy!), it folds into just ONE piece for easy travel (no tools needed), it locks into a sturdy triangle that CANNOT collapse and does not readily tip or over-balance. Mine also has storage under the seat for a red LED torch and a pocket star atlas.

If you like it, post a comment on the chair thread - it will bump it up and help others to find it more easily.

If you have questions about the build, drop me a PM and I'll do my best to help out.

Dan

[davehunt]

Hi Prof-you've done it again,you dawg!!!!Love the design,and approve of the mods to the Denver type chair.My major problem is getting any kind of hardwood in the UK except at huge expense-we used all ours up as you doubtless recall whilst subjugating the rest of the world with our navy.Most furniture in this country is MDF,so I can't even "rescue" good stuff and recycle it.I have made a softwood version just to get the feel of the Denver style,and will look out for some real "lumber" as I believe you would have it in that Philistinic country of yours,and then tackle your excellent plans one fine day.I can at least be sure that if I do find the appropriate,the skies will suddenly clear and diminish the urge to extra-stargazing activity!

Best wishes,

Dave

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

A design like that could be made from pine panels I can get easily at any DIY store. I have made several cupboards and tables from such panels. The do not warp (or very little), because they are constructed from strips of wood that have been glued together. Pine is fine for such construction. Do not forget, wood for a chair needs to be tough, not hard. The tensile strength of pine is about than 50% higher than oak. If you apply a good, penetrating stain for outdoor use to the wood it should last quite well.

[obscura]

Looks simple enough. You could try British Hardwoods - its where I get all my timber from. They do hobby packs, short to long lengths in many thicknesses, mainly 19mm PAR. Will also prepare the timber if you need that. Wouldn't damp eventually penetrate the exposed ply layers?

Good luck

[davehunt]

I am overwhelmed with responses-thanks very much guys.Meanwhile if anyone knows the UK equivalent/or substitute for-1/2" pipe nipple-I would be even more grateful........

[obscura]

Of course I forgot SL Hardwoods in Croydon who do much the same thing. Oak I think would be much better than softwoods, ply - depends if its going to stay out in all weathers. Actually, I use a foldaway hardwood garden chair with high back and a goodly sized seat.

[glowjet]

Dave just in case you want to go ahead and make Dans chair, I have checked out John Boddy who are definitely mail order specialists, they do a catalogue and can be found at : John Boddy, Riverside Saw Mills, Boroughbridge, N.Yorkshire. Tel 01423 322370 or Fax: 01423 323810/324334. I think you send in your plans and cutting list and desired timber type and they source the bits so you have little wastage. Pipe nipple sounds like a ball on a threaded piece of bar or tube FWIW, found in the plumbing trade perhaps.