Step Stool #3: Slight Design Modification

sounds cool. can’t wait to see the finished project!

Great modification. It will help the legs to sit better if you cut an arch in the bottom. What many do not realize is that a wide foot does not rest as well as separate feet on a potentially uneven floor.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Glad I was able to add some food for thought.

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.

Betsy always has some great food for thought.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Quick follow-up question. I was thinking that the bottom arch would be the length of those two middle boards (which would leave the two outer ones as the width of the feet). Does that sound good?

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

Eric,

Off hand and looking at the photo, I think that it would look proper.

As I understand it, the arch would end right on the joint of those pieces. That is actually good thinking on the layout of the joints and the design element. Considering these types of details are what makes a good piece great.

Granted your piece is simple, but that is really beside the point. The real point here is that you considered this element of the design which you will take to other pieces in the future. This is a tremendous lesson from such a humble project.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Looking at it again, I would have to say that it was a good decision to go wider on the legs. Betsy is right, it will add a good amount of stability.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Thanks Todd. Actually, the design element was a bit by accident, since I originally only had the legs at three boards wide (so the arch would not have originally ended at the joints). But like you said, it’s a good education which will better inform future projects.

Appreciate your feedback!

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

The principles learned and skills that are honed on a project like this are invaluable and often overlooked. The same principles and skills will continually be applied to projects in the future.

As time goes by and the projects collect in your house, you will look at each and remember them by the lessons that each taught you.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Looks like you’re having fun with this – and you’re getting great feedback from Betsy and Todd! You’re laying out those dovetails right now aren’t you!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

sounds good. The idea to make the legs wider is a good idea it adds looks but also adds stabillity.

-- Tyler, Illinois