findingthe wood for a chair seat

[ron.d]

Hi I am new to this site and I am trying to realise a long held ambition.

I have a Windsor chair, shop bought, and it is falling apart. I am now making a similar char using green ash for the under carriage, arm rest etc. I got this from Bradfield Woods just 4 miles from my home.

I have now steam bent the back, turned and sealed the ends of the various components and I am waiting for them to fully season.

What I do not have is the seat, given the scarcity of elm, what is best to use?

Any ideas on the best wood and where to get it from?
Thanks
Ron

[Ian G]

Hi Ron.D, I'm not a chair maker as such but I have friends who are and I know that they have in the past used sweet chestnut. Grant you the slab was a wee bit thicker than you would have with elm but it seems to do the job. I've only used sweet chestnut for bench leg, they lasted for many many years in the very wet Argyll climate.

I'm sure some of the many chair makers within the group will help out with this question better than I can and will confirm on not my sweet chestnut recommendation.

Ian G

[simon]

There will be a meeting of the Suffolk bodgers at Bradfield woods on Sunday 5th July. Plenty of advice should be available.
I hope to be there in the afternoon.

[ron.d]

Thanks Simon, I will take the dog there for his walk on Sunday
Ron

[Richie]

Hi
I have supplied a few top chair makers on here. I have Elm, Walnut, Yew, Laburnum, and many other timbers.

[ron.d]

Thanks to every one who replied to my original post.
By a roundabout route, woodturners network, I had a phone call from a member of the Norwich Woodturning Club and he has supplied me with enough elm to make two seats.

Thanks
Ron