Bench Stool Progress
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I thought I would start a post were we could all post our progress with this project. So please feel free to add your thoughts and photos.
I’ll start.
I just finished the full size layout. I added a few more details than Paul has so far because I’m afraid of forgetting some of the details. I enjoyed this exercise. It is really helpful in getting a feel for the scale of the bench stool. I took my time and made this a layout that will last for a while. I have a feeling that I will be making several of these stools. I’ll start cutting the parts this weekend.
Anyway, thats me so far. I look forward to seeing how everyone else is coming along.Greg,
Nice layout as always, looks like you are off and running. I have too many holiday gifts to finish and they are keeping me from getting to the stool start but I’ll catch up.
Because I have an art background I am used to doing my big layouts on large roll paper (36 or 48 inch width) instead of plywood. I was a pattern maker some time ago and we laid out all our plans on our large shop drawing boards. Good quality paper patterns, if rolled and stored properly last for ages.
The drawing board makes layout work fairly easy. Without one, taping paper to a suitable right angled table top works also, using your T-square off the edges. And there’s always taping to the floor if necessary.
I would suggest this paper pattern method to those who maybe don’t have access to plywood or maybe space restrictions. Here in the USA Home Depot carries builder’s paper in good size rolls for about $10 dollars. Office supply companies usually carry large roll paper but more expensive. For throw away patterns newsprint rolls are really inexpensive and great for sketching ideas on.
Joe B.
Great job as always Greg.
That ply has some pretty funky grain going on. I guess this might be one instance where that boring light-coloured birch(?) ply could have its advantages.
Your layout still shows up well though, did you use some type of pen or a dark pencil?
Looking forward to following your progress, it may take a while before I get on to the stool myself.
Thanks Joe & Martin.
Martin, to answer your question. I laid it out with dividers and a pencil. After I was satisfied with the layout I went over it again with a fine point Sharpie. The plywood is total junk, full of voids. The dividers actually went thru the top layer and into a hole in a couple of places.
I’m half way thru chopping the mortises in my legs. Hitting the depth has been a little tricky for me. I had chopped a couple of practice mortises before I started and one of them blew thru the back side. Not the chisel, just the wood. The force of the mallet blow caused the unsupported side to fracture. So a light touch with the mallet is required as you get close to depth. I have a mini hand router and took that and set the depth I wanted. Once I have chopped as deep as I dare, I used the mini router to flatten the bottom and ensure the depth.
So far, so good.
Six more chances to screw it up. 😉Thanks Greg. I have not started the stool yet, but I will look out for that buddy. many thanks. 😉
Legs and rails are cut and fitted. The seat blank is glued up and ready to for shaping. So far all is coming together pretty well. Make sure to sharpen your tools as you go.
Now I need to make patterns for the shaping stage of the build.
I’m using up the scrap pieces I have in the shop, so its a little ugly but a good coat of milk paint will fix that.
Good job Greg. 😉
Thanks Ken.
Great progress Greg. Another 3 to make and you can start a ‘boy band’… 😉
Looks good Greg. This one is on my to do list, eventually. I’m still finishing up some Christmas presents for relatives.
Thanks Martin & Dave.
Martin, that’s a pretty good incentive to stop at one. 🙂
Looking good Greg. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks John.
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