Meet Thomas Wetzel

At the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, in Saratoga New York, sits Thomas Wetzel's Windsor Chair Shop.

Following a successful career as a custom homebuilder, Tom taught himself to make Windsor chairs. His craft grew out of a love of old tools and traditional ways of woodworking.

In his one-man shop, Tom gives close attention to each and every detail on every chair.

Tom uses many of the original hand tools to recreate the craft of building Windsor chairs, which gives the chairs the strength, look and texture of an original Windsor.

Tom has recently added to his original line of Windsors. The Carlsbad Rocker in the Rocking Chair section is one of the new pieces. He will soon be adding an arm chair and side chair in the same design.

Tom has also begun teaching in his shop, and welcomes new students. Interested woodworkers are welcome to call to schedule a class.

Tom uses wood from sustainable forests when available.

Tom's pieces have been commissioned by museums as well as well known collectors throughout the United States.

Tom has been invited to participate at the Waterford Fair in Waterford Virginia since 1995 where he demonstrates traditional Windsor chair making.

His work has been featured on television, newspaper and in magazines. Early American Life magazine has selected Tom's work as one of the 200 Best Crafters in the country for several years.

The one-man shop in New York is very busy. Orders are taken at least 3+ months prior to completion. Regretfully, shop tours are not available.

Tom lives and works with his wife, and 4 sons in Middle Grove, New York.