People who enjoy the Star Trek series will enjoy the idea of having part of the series' set. One popular item is the captain's chair, especially that of Captain Kirk. This particular item has become even more popular since a Las Vegas Star Trek convention displayed a life-sized, fully operational, original series captain’s chair. According to Trekmovie.com, it used "expert measurements and the highest quality durable materials." While captain's chairs kits can be purchased for just under $3,000, most like to take on building their own.
Things You'll Need:
Things You Will Need
Building a Captain's Chair
Find a flat-backed chair; one with a high back and arm rests is best. Disassemble it, removing the back, seat and arms for later use. If the seat and back are connected, leave them that way.
Measure, mark, cut and lay out your base frame according to command seat plans. If you are not using plans, use the outer dimensions of 40 inches wide, 44 inches high and 38 inches deep, if going with the authentic size--or you may size the frame to fit your own chair.
Assemble the wood frame pieces with wood glue and nail them to hold. The frame can be assembled in one piece or in sections, the sides, back and base pieces. Paint all sections in a gray or cream tone.
Set the chair seat and back into the frame and center. Secure using nuts and bolts, two for the seat and two for the backing.
Fully-covered chair arms may be secured to the sides of the base using the remaining bolts. If your chair does not have full arms or has no arms at all, you can build frames or surrounds and cover with matching material.
Warnings:
- Building the base in one section may make your base too large to move from place to place or fit through doorways.