Build a Comb-back Stick-chair with Christopher Schwarz in NEWRYBAR NSW
 
WOOD DUST backstreets feature workshop
Tuesday to Saturday, October 14 to 18, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
The Newrybar Community Hall
13/15 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar NSW 2477
 
 
During this Five-Day Woodworking Workshop, you will build a Comb-back, Seven-stick Chair guided by Christopher Schwarz assisted by Bern Chandley. If you are into hand tools and traditional chairs, this is no doubt your ultimate chair building experience.
 
About Stick Chairs
 
Stick chairs are a vernacular form of furniture that were built by farmers or any non-professional woodworker. Stick chairs were built using the materials around the woodworker (green wood, dry wood, salvaged wood, found wood), and simple tools. Despite these limitations, stick chairs have a rugged beauty and a somewhat animalistic nature.
 
What happens in this workshop
 
In this workshop you will build one of the most popular forms a Comb-back, Seven-stick Chair from American Red Oak. The construction processes are a combination of heavy hand-tool use with some assistance from the band saw. The emphasis is on building beautiful chairs with a few tools and even fewer jigs. 
 
You will also explore the idea that no two stick chairs should be identical. You’ll be encouraged to bring your own ideas forward with your chair to make something that is both yours and fits within the great tradition of stick chairs that goes way back to the 15th century.
 
On purchasing your ticket to attend this workshop you will be sent a Workshop Manual that will specify all the details of your chair building experience.
 
Tools & Equipment
 
You will need to bring a few tools to complete this workshop. A required tool list will be included in the Workshop Manual. When you arrive at the studios your tools should be sharp and ready to go. There won’t be time to restore vintage tools or set up new tools in this workshop. There will be a sharpening station onsite so you can maintain your equipment during the week. Participants must also bring their own personal protection equipment (PPE) including eye and hearing protection, and dust masks. Participant should wear sturdy clothes and covered shoes suitable for woodworking. 
 
Materials & Plans
 
Chris has specified American Red Oak for this stick chair build. All materials required to complete the workshop are supplied and will be machined ready to go on the commencement of the workshop. For your reference the Workshop manual will include a detailed cutting list and a full set of plans. No additional machining is required to complete the chair.
 
Meals 
 
All meals including lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided each day of the workshop. Participants will gather on the verandah of the Newrybar Community Hall for meals. The individual dietary needs of participants will be catered for.
 
The Welcome Dinner & The Yarn
 
Your ticket to this Five Day Stick-chair Workshop also grants you entry to the WOOD DUST backstreets Welcome Dinner & The Yarn. Details and guest speakers are still to be announced. These are evenings you don't want to miss. Become a WOOD DUST VIP by purchasing your ticket today.
 
Terms & Conditions
 
Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing a ticket to attend this five-day woodworking workshop. Visit the WOOD DUST Terms & Conditions located in the website footer to learn more. If you have any questions regarding this workshop email hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au for more information.
 
About the Newrybar NSW
 
Newrybar is a historic village located in the Byron Bay hinterland, a ten minute drive from Ballina in Far Northern NSW. The Newrybar Community Hall was built in 1899 and features solid timber floors, views of the valley and great natural light. Harvest cafe and a convenience store are across the street. Accommodation options are plentiful. Broken Head beach is just down the road. This is your perfect regional hideaway to get woodworking.
 
The week after WOOD DUST backstreets Chris Schwarz will lead a Five Day Comb-back, Stick-chair Woodworking Workshop in the Newrybar Hall. If you are in Brisbane it's only two hours down the highway. If you are in Sydney it's a direct one hour flight into Ballina. If you have ever wanted an unforgettable woodworking experience, this may be it. Only ten tickets available.
 
Who is Christopher Schwarz
 
Christopher Schwarz a furniture maker, writer and publisher who works from a storefront in Covington, Kentucky USA. Chris is one of the founders and the editor of Lost Art Press which publishes books on hand tool woodworking. Chris is also one of the founders of Crucible Tool. In 2019, Chris closed his commission book, and now build pieces only on spec and sells them via his blog on the Lost Art Press website. Chris leads regular woodworking workshops in Covington and around the world.
 
Who is Bern Chandley
 
Bern Chandley is a leading Australian craftsman who builds Windsor chairs using both traditional and modern techniques. Bern is devoted to the task of creating pieces of heirloom quality that will last for generations to come. Bern works from his workshop in Melbourne making pieces for select clients and running regular teaching workshops. 
 
The Experience
 
This build a Comb-back, Seven-stick Chair with Christopher Schwarz and Bern Chandley workshop is a unique and rare opportunity to not only work alongside two leaders of the craft, but to experience this in one of Australia's most beautiful destinations. Plus there are only ten places available in this workshop to ensure you have all the support you need while participating. Plus you also get to come along to the Welcome Dinner with all our guests, and hear all their backstories at the Yarn. Join us for an extraordinary week of woodworking.
 
Tickets on Sale
 
If you want a comprehensive woodworking experience that results in a beautiful functional object supported by two leaders of the craft, then this Five Day Build a Comb-back, Seven-stick Chair workshop is for you. Tickets are on sale now, only ten places available so reserve your bench space today.