How to build a Camoda Chair by Les Kenny
I have built a number of these chairs using various thicknesses of wood ranging
from 1″ (25mm) to 2″ (50mm) but I think the size I use here is the best in both comfort and looks.
The chair is a low, comfortable chair, that does not need a side table. You can quite easily
reach your cup of tea or glass of beer on the ground.
The chair can be folded up in one easy movement and stored or placed somewhere until needed.
Note: This project DOES NOT contain any plan drawings. Plan drawings are only in the PREMIUM PLANS at leskenny.com version. To find out why click here.
The wood size
The wood size (thickness and width) I use for this project is 1-3/8″ x 1-3/4″ (35 x 44mm).
Note: You can use a slightly different thickness and/or width wood and still follow the same instructions and method I give here. What’s important is where the holes are made along the slats.
The construction process
The construction process basically involves 4 easy steps.
1. Cutting the pieces to length (and rounding the ends – optional)
2. Drilling two 6mm holes through each piece THROUGH THE WIDE FACE OF THE WOOD.
3. Stacking the pieces methodically with wire thread through the holes.
4. Securing the ends of the wire.
Easy peasy – just follow the steps with loads of pictures.
About the measurements given in this project
All measurements in this project are given in both inches (standard) and metric (mm).
The standard (inch) measurements are given first followed by the metric equivalent in brackets.
For example: 1-3/8″ x 1-3/4″ (35 x 44mm)
You will need:
Out of 1-3/8″ x 1-3/4″ (35 x 44mm) stock you will need…
From longest to shortest
(a) 2 pieces @ 43″ (1092mm)
(b) 2 pieces @ 34-5/8″ (880mm)
(c) 4 pieces @ 31″ (787mm)
(d) 2 pieces @ 29-3/8″ (746mm)
(e) 6 pieces @ 15″ (381mm)
(f) 9 pieces @ 9-1/4″ (235mm)
25 pieces in all totalling 48ft (14.5m) allowing for a little bit of waste.
A drawing shows how you can cut all the pieces out of twelve 4ft (1200mm) lengths.
You will also need 4 lengths of 5/32″ (4mm) diameter galvanized mild steel wire 32″ (800mm) long.
And 8 only 1/4″ (6mm) screws 1-1/4″ (32mm) long with washers.
Note: Plans drawings have been omitted from this space. They are only included in the PREMIUM PLANS at leskenny.com version. To find out why click here.
Cut the pieces to length
Using 1-3/8″ x 1-3/4″ (35 x 44mm) stock, or close to it – cut the following…
(a) 2 pieces @ 43″ (1092mm)
(b) 2 pieces @ 34-5/8″ (880mm)
(c) 4 pieces @ 31″ (787mm)
(d) 2 pieces @ 29-3/8″ (746mm)
(e) 6 pieces @ 15″ (381mm)
(f) 9 pieces @ 9-1/4″ (235mm)
The drawing below shows how you can cut all the pieces from twelve lengths of wood 4ft (1200mm) long.
Mark where the holes go
Refer to the plan drawing for a perspective on where the holes go.
The placement is…
Pieces (a), (c), (d):
One hole is 1-1/2″ (38mm) from one end, and another is 23-1/2″ (597mm) along from that.
Pieces (b), (e):
One hole is 1-1/2″ (38mm) from one end, and another is 10-1/2″ (267mm) along from that.
Pieces (f):
Both holes are 1-1/4″ (32mm) from each end.
Rather than mark each one individually, you can line them up in sequence as shown in the image below and mark across.
Drill the holes
Drill the holes with a 1/4″ (6mm) drill bit.
Drill in the center of the wood.
A drill press is advisable to ensure the holes are straight.
Round the ends
Once the holes are drilled, you can round the ends.
The rounding is more for looks than anything.
So it doesn’t matter how much you round them.
You can use a router, or a sander, or just use sand paper.
The picture above is just an idea of how the pieces can be clamped together for ease of sanding.
Bend the ends of the wire over
Above: Bend over one end of each piece of wire (4 altogether).
Just enough to stop the wire pulling through the hole.
Below: Now everything’s ready to start the assembly process.
Thread 2 wires through one piece (f)
Thread the wire through one piece (f). Knock the bends in flush with a hammer and then jam the wire tight with screws and washers.
Begin the assembly
Thread a wire through piece (a) and piece (e) and secure in the same way as with piece (f).
Start the assembly as shown in the picture below.
Stack ’em up
Start loading the pieces on (down the wire) in the right order.
Take special note the numbers are in the right order as shown in the images.
Finish assembling and flip it over
Once stacked, flip it over on its back.
Squeeze and bend
Push the pieces in (not too much force) and bend the wire back to stop them from springing back.
Cut and hammer
Cut the wire off a maximum of 3/8″ (9mm) from the hole, and hammer the bend flush into the wood.
Secure the wire
Jam the wire tight with screws and washers.
And there she is!
Note: You can purchase this DIY article in downloadable file including plan drawings with dimensions for a small cost from the Premium Plans at leskenny.com section.