In the above video, Colonial Williamsburg Journeyman Cabinetmaker Brian Weldy shares a special tutorial on how to assemble, dry fit, and clamp up a traditional 18th century walnut chair, using clamps, winding sticks, a wooden mallet, and a folding rule.

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3740

This video was filmed a couple months ago, but on my visit to the Hay Cabinetmaking Shop just a few days ago (on the 4th of July) Brian was happy to inform me that he had finished his 7-year apprenticeship (wow) and had been promoted to a Journeyman Cabinetmaker!

Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Dsc1419

It amazes me how much time the 18th century craftsmen had to put into learning their trade before they could move up in their profession. Brian is certainly a very skilled cabinetmaker and artist, as evidenced by his work on these walnut chairs.

Brian_Weldy_Dry_Fit_Chair_Colonial_Williamsburg_Wid3742

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3739

I filmed this skill tutorial (and several other tutorials) inside the 18th Century Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop at Colonial Williamsburg.

Here are all my videos & articles of the Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaking Shop at Colonial Williamsburg:

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3824

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3741

Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Dsc1399

Below are a few photographs that I took at the Anthony Hay cabinet maker shop at historical Colonial Williamsburg:

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3821

Discover a treasure trove of woodworking knowledge by visiting the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop blog.

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3750

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3746

Colonial_Williamsburg_Hay_Cabinet_Shop_Wid3751

Video_Brian_Weldy_Dry_Fit_Chair_Colonial_Williamsburg

Click here to subscribe to Joshua’s future videos & articles!