Why did Windsor chair makers use green wood for turning chair parts?

In the traditional furniture industry, Windsor chair makers—often referred to as "bodgers"—used green (unseasoned) wood for turning chair parts because it allowed the wood to be shaped much more easily and quickly than if it were dry.1

Working with green timber enabled craftsmen to efficiently round legs and form intricate curves and beads on a primitive pole lathe in a matter of seconds. By utilizing this method, these specialized woodworkers could maintain high productivity without the need for modern power tools or expensive overhead costs.1