Reply To: Building a step stool for my mother, strength and safety a concern.
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[quote quote=553419] @awesomeopossum74 Search for images of a step stool with handle and see if your mother might like that. The “handle” extends up from the steps to hip height or a little higher. It can be used to carry the stool, but it also provides a handrail to help with balance while up on the step.[/quote]
Yes, this is a good idea, and something I’m considering! I don’t want my mother to have to bend over to pick up the stool.
[quote quote=553810]
Musing on the dovetail approach, I wonder how robust they would be to careless foot traffic … though hiding them “half-blind” would help, in some ways.[/quote]
I’m not sure what you mean by careless foot traffic, as it relates to the dovetails? Can you elaborate?
[quote quote=553810]I’d be tempted just to dado the sidewalls into the base of the treads, most of the force on the treads is downwards.[/quote]
I thought about that for a while, as I argee most of the force is downward. But I decided to go with dovetails to help prevent as much lateral racking as possible.
[quote quote=553810]I think the cross pieces under the treads and one at the back are enough to prevent racking provided they’re not too narrow, given theyre glued long grain to the treads. Three or maybe four inches wide.[/quote]
I’m not able to measure at this moment, but I think I went with 2.5″ cross members with 2 dovetails. They seem pretty stout so far.