Shaker Step Stool #1: Layout & Grain Selection

For such a simple appearing project, this step stool has some great points to consider. It is a great bench exercise to practice milling stock and cutting dovetails. As far as the dovetails are concerned, there is the same number of pins on the upper and lower step which helps simply layout. Additionally this project has only one thickness, so you leave your marking gauge set at ¾. You can use ¾ dimensioned stock from a big box store or get some rough stock from your favorite hardwood supplier.

This is a great project to build with your kids or a newbie that you want to introduce to the craft. In this series, I am building the step stool with Rachel. She hasn’t done anything like this before and her step stool turned out great! So, if you want to sit down by yourself and try to execute a perfect build, or get together with your kid, girlfriend, wife, newbie or a woodworking buddy this is a great project to consider.

OK, so here’s the deal. My step stool video series has been re-edited and I want to share them with my fellow Lumberjocks. I have no intention of “flooding” the LJ video section with the series. If you guys express interest in seeing the rest of the series, I will post them slowly over the next couple of weeks.

This little project landed in January's issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine!

-- For free woodworking video tutorials and contests, check out Woodworking with Thomas MacDonald & Friends at http://www.mlwwoodworking.com/index.html