Build a Comb-back Stick-chair with Christopher Schwarz in COBURG Victoria
 
WOOD DUST backstreets feature workshop
Monday to Friday, October 6 to 10, 2025
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
The Coburg Studios
69 Charles Street, Coburg 3058
 
 
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 in the Coburg Studios dining area for meals alongside the participants of Michael Fortune and Matt Kenney’s workshops that are running concurrently during WOOD DUST backstreets. 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 Coburg Studios
 
Coburg Studios is an arts and creative hub in the new Merri-bek Creative Precinct offering studios and creative spaces for designers & artists of all disciplines. ​Ground floor of the Coburg Studios is where all the action is with over 1000 square metres of woodworking Nirvana fully equipped to meet the needs of WOOD DUST backstreets.
 
Coburg Studios offers street parking or is a 15-minute walk along Gaffney Street from Batman Station which is on the Upfield train line direct from the CBD via the northern inner suburbs of Melbourne. Gaffney Street is also serviced by bus. Pentridge Shopping Mall featuring accommodation, bars, restaurants, cinemas and all types of shopping is just down the road. Accommodation is not included in the ticket price though WOOD DUST organisers are available to advise participants on the nearby accommodation options 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 feature event during WOOD DUST backstreets October 6 to 10, 2025. This is a unique and rare opportunity to work alongside and learn from two leaders of the craft. 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.