Non Rocking Rocker

[Coop]

A friend and past contributor to the forum Ricky, aka @Spanky, received a rocking chair/bench from his father-in-law that doesn’t rock and from the photo, I can see why. The rocker or foot leaves a lot to be desired. For those that have built rocking chairs, is there a formula for the shape of the “rocker” so that this can be salvaged? 

[wtnhighlander]

@Coop, I have never built one, so take this with a grain of salt. An instructional video I watched on rocking chair design, suggested taking the floor-to-seat height (without rockers), times pi, to establish the radius of the rocker outside curve.

[RichardA]

On 5/6/2025 at 5:45 AM, wtnhighlander said:

@Coop, I have never built one, so take this with a grain of salt. An instructional video I watched on rocking chair design, suggested taking the floor-to-seat height (without rockers), times pi, to establish the radius of the rocker outside curve.

That shouldnt be difficult for @coop, he likes pie!

[Mark J]

I'm just thinking out loud here, but it seems to me the curve of the rocker would have to flatten out toward the back, otherwise the chair would be very easy to tip over backwards. 

[pkinneb]

Coop it appears to me that the front leg is too long and the rocker is too short. With that seating position you are already rocked and then the rocker works against you becuase of its shape and shortness. the curve on the rocker is a tad tight and Mark is correct you do want a slight flat at the back to insure you don't flip. I do think it can be salvaged though  

[Tom King]

I'd go to a Cracker Barrel with a pencil and piece of cardboard.  On the porch where all the rockers are, take measurements from bottom of rocker to top of  seat at front and back legs and measure the depth of the seat.  Trace the rocker profile onto the cardboard marking the leg locations. 

[Coop]

And then have some of their chicken and dumplings!

[Alphaster]

I picked up a garden egg chair last summer, and it totally changed how much time I spend outside. The water‑resistant cushions made it fuss‑free, and the UV protection kept it looking good even after a hot season. If you want something comfy that still looks stylish, a garden egg chair is one of those pieces that just fits into any corner without much effort.