Building a Ming Chair with Pure Joinery (No Nails, No Screws)

Building a Ming Armchair Using Only Joinery — No Nails, No Screws.

In this woodworking project, I build a traditional Ming-style armchair using pure mortise and tenon joinery — no metal fasteners, no hidden screws.

This video documents the full furniture build process from layout and stock preparation to final assembly and finishing. Every joint is cut, fitted, and locked using classical Chinese joinery techniques developed centuries ago.

If you enjoy detailed woodworking builds, precise joinery, and traditional craftsmanship, this project explores:

• Mortise and tenon layout and cutting
• Structural frame joinery
• Curved apron shaping
• Traditional Ming horse-hoof feet
• Dry-fit assembly and structural locking
• Fine sanding and finish preparation

Ming furniture is known for its clean lines, structural clarity, and engineering-driven design. This armchair reflects those principles through pure joinery construction.

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