How to Make a Collapsible Chair (for Theatrical Use)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Begin by cutting away bottom braces that hold the front legs to to rear legs

   When finished, they should remain the same length as the distance from the front leg to back leg. , This should leave you with an upside down "L" shape for the front, consisting of front legs and the seat. with an "I" shape representing the back legs and backrest. , This piece should run from the front of the seat to back of seat, overhanging the back by about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to
   7.6 cm).
   
   This crosspiece will support the seat when the weight of the person falls on it during the chairs collapse.
   
   Additionally, those 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) in the back will prevent the seat from collapsing when it is in the upright phase. , These hinges should go at opposite sides of the supports, on the same side, the bottom.
   
   Screw the other side of the hinges to the back rest part, roughly where they where earlier. ,,, Strap hinges will usually work best.
   
   One on each side of the seat. ,, This should act in a similar way to someone's butt as they sit in an armed chair. ,, The chair should collapse right out from underneath you.
2. 2

   Step 2: do not discard these pieces.

3. 3

   Step 3: Separate seat apparatus from the back portion of the chair.

4. 4

   Step 4: Attach crosspiece to the bottom side of the seat.

5. 5

   Step 5: Attach hinges to the underside of the two bottom supports that where cut away earlier.

6. 6

   Step 6: Repeat step 5

7. 7

   Step 7: except this time attach the other half of the bottom support hinges to the front legs.

8. 8

   Step 8: Detach the seat from the front legs.

9. 9

   Step 9: Attach hinges to the underside of the seat.

10. 10

    Step 10: attach the other side of the strap hinges to the backside of the front legs.

11. 11

    Step 11: Finally cut a "U" shaped hole in the backrest's support for the seat roughly the dimensions of the seat support you installed earlier.

12. 12

    Step 12: If desired

13. 13

    Step 13: attach some sort of hardware (shown is a hook &eye) to ensure the chair collapses on when it's supposed to

14. 14

    Step 14: and not earlier

15. 15

    Step 15: Sit on the chair

16. 16

    Step 16: lean forward carefully.

Detailed Guide

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