This week’s project comes from Jason. Here’s his story: “The step stool was a gift for my Father, he has been after me for a long time to make him one. The stool you made on the intro of your old podcasts was my inspiration for the piece. I chose a curly walnut (which doesn’t come through in the pictures) for the sides and a solid 8/4 rock maple top. The sides are mortised into the top, with a walnut inlay to make them look like through mortises. The rail underneath is attached with 2 birch dowels. The finish is a “tung-oil finish” from minwax so it has some urethane in it I think, for protection. Only thing I would do different is curve the top like yours, but at the time I didn’t have a bandsaw, now I’ve got a 14″ Jet, so I am ready for the next one.”
14 Responses to “Step Stool – Project of the Week”
Jason -
The walnut figure looks very nice – I would be concerned though witht he grain running horizontal that the feet are going to want to split under load.
Did you run the grain this way to make it flow with the stretcher?
Dave
Nice job Jason! Your Dad should be proud of his step stool. I really like the walnut inlay you used on the top. this is really a nice piece. Congratulations on a job well-done!
Very nice. I really like the combination of walnut and maple. They seem made for each other. The top appears a bit thick compared to the side. I might have gone with thicker side pieces, but that’s always easy to say in 20/20 hindsight. Ditto on the comment above about the grain.
It looks great, your father will be proud ;)
All I can say is WOW! Killer Job!
Very Nice!
Please explain the finish of tung oil only. I would think you should do several coats of hard finish on top at least. This beauty is going to take some punishment.
Excellent job can’t wait to finish house remodel and start on furniture.
Very Nice, but who would want to step on it? I don’t think I could bring myself too.
I would have to agree that the top is to thick in proportion to the legs.
Prime your drywall, the paper is absorbing water all the time (basement?) OH, COMMENT ON THE BENCH.
Looks fine.
Thanks for all the comments, I actually wanted the top that thick, guess just my taste
Oh, and about the finish, it does have a poly mixed in I guess, it is “tung oil” finish by minwax, I do believe it has the urethane in combination…
I find one of the best things about this woodworking hobby is that there is only one person you have to please, yourself.