Maloof style seat tutorial

[rscrawford]

I've been getting a few questions lately about designing a Maloof style seat in Aspire. I had a couple threads years ago, but they didn't go into enough detail so I thought I'd start a detailed thread showing my process in designing a seat. I'll include the file I end up with, so you can play around with it and see the various vectors I use.

I first design the seat and make a solid model, the full thickness of my blank (in this case 1.75" thick)

I then create vectors for the scooped out area. Notice position of the short rails, how they do not line up in the centre. This gives a slope to the centre raised portion of the scooped seat, which gives a nicer look and is more comfortable to sit on.

Do a two rail sweep as shown, using the exact settings as shown in the picture. Select the long and short rails opposite each other.

Then do the two rail sweep for the other side, using the same settings (these settings are important).

You are left with the basic seat shape, but the transition area between the two halves will need to be smoothed.

Bake the 3 models and then use the sculpting tool to smooth out the transition areas. This should only take a few seconds. Don't spend too much time smoothing.

[rscrawford]

Now you need to subtract a round over for the front edge. I draw some vectors as shown.

Then do a two rail sweep, subtracting the sweep from the baked model.

This gives a nice shape to the front of the seat.

Bake the models, and then use the cutting tool as shown to cut the waste portion from the front of the baked model.

You are left with a seat that is ready to cut.

Here is the file. Note that the model is already baked, but you can use these vectors to go through the same process and end up with the same final model.

seat.crv3d

(2.81 MiB) Downloaded 348 times

[highpockets]

Great tutorial Russell, I've always struggled trying to create a seat model.

Thanks for sharing....

[SteveNelson46]

Wow Russ! Your generosity in sharing the file along with instructions is greatly appreciated.

[rtibbs]

Very nice of you sharing the seat file.
Sure beats the heck out of Scott Phillips hand grinder method.

[rscrawford]

The seat model is just a very generic shape and size, not really meant to fit any chair in particular. You can either resize it to fit your needs, or use the tutorial to create your own size of seat!

[gkas]

Nice. Good tutorial. Modeling that always looked like a real challenge....and lots of trial and error.

thanks

[pviljoen]

My sample of a Windsor seat. Currently adapting for 1780 New England style Windsor.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

[pviljoen]

Hi Russel, did you design the stretchers too. I am running into problems getting the design correct. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[pviljoen]

Ok I think I have got it, at least the basics for the Stretchers. Please provide comments and suggestions to improve.

Currently one problem I see is the tabs are missing - cut through.

You will have to do 3 cuts- 1. Mortises at the bottom on vertical workspace, 2. Front and back on Horizontal workspace
Mortise cuts will be separate cutting file

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

[rig gap]

Great tutorial...Thanks so much.

[pviljoen]

Nice, now that the basics are done, it is playtime.