Project by Dan | posted 12-15-2010 06:18 PM | 4642 views | 6 times favorited | 13 comments | ![]() |
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This is the third step stool that I have made. This one like the last was made for a family member with young kids. Dovetails were done with a router and my Leigh jig. Stool is made all out of Basswood and finished with a few coats of shellac. These are really fun to make and make great gifts for people with kids..
-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"
13 comments so far
Dan
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#1 posted 12-15-2010 06:22 PM
I just realized the picture of the back of the stool was taken in between finish coats so that is why its a bit sloppy looking in the pic.
-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"
Brandon
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#2 posted 12-15-2010 06:29 PM
Nicely done! Those look like some very thick and sturdy dovetails.
Any particular reason for making it out of basswood? I’m asking because I don’t have much experience with basswood.
-- "hold fast to that which is good"
Dan
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#3 posted 12-15-2010 06:53 PM
Brandon – I have a stack of maybe a few dozen rough sawed basswood boards that I got from my dad who had them milled years ago. I am assuming basswood trees are common in my area as I see it around here often. So to answer your question there was no particular reason other then I have a lot of it on hand.
I do like working with Basswood though. Its usually rather clear and very easy to cut and carve. I got a lot of practice using my hand planes on basswood.
-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"
b2rtch
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#4 posted 12-15-2010 07:05 PM
Very nice.
I have been doing wood working for many years and I still to cut my first dovetail.
May be one of this days.
-- Bert
helluvawreck
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#5 posted 12-15-2010 07:08 PM
That’s a nice stool. Good work!
-- helluvawreck aka Charles, http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com
Brandon
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#6 posted 12-15-2010 07:17 PM
Thanks for the response, Dan. I’ve seen a lot of people carve with basswood, but I don’t see too much furniture made from it. Perhaps I’m not looking the right places. ;-) But the basswood on your step stool is beautiful and I can see why you would use it.
-- "hold fast to that which is good"
Dan
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#7 posted 12-15-2010 09:13 PM
Brandon- Basswood although considered a hardwood is very light weight and soft. This makes it a great carving wood but not so great for fine furniture. So ya its most common for carving but it can be used for anything. I have built many things out of Basswood and I have grown to really enjoy working with it.
I am willing to bet its probably an overlooked wood for anything other then carvings but I think if given a try most would find it quite a pleasure to work with for non carving projects.
-- Dan - "Collector of Hand Planes"
RussInMichigan
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#8 posted 12-15-2010 10:03 PM
Thanks, Dan. Who knew a the footstool could be an artform. Really nice.
Chip
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#9 posted 12-16-2010 02:32 AM
Great build Dan. That beaut looks steady as a rock and the dovetails are terrific!
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt!
Roger
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#10 posted 12-19-2010 06:40 AM
very nice, and very stout
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Keep your dust collector fed. Kentuk55@yahoo.com
Smitty_Cabinetshop
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#11 posted 06-23-2012 01:33 PM
Nice build and great project idea, too.
-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. -- OldTools Archive --
CueballRosendaul
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#12 posted 09-15-2012 02:15 AM
Nice stool. I’m making one from some dumpster treasure pine very soon. You’re in G.R. I’m less than an hour away.
-- Matt CueBall Rosendaul. I don't think I've ever had a cup of coffee that didn't have cat hair or sawdust in it.
fredcastello
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#13 posted 09-16-2015 04:03 PM
Dan, very nice stool. I am considering something similar. Do you mind sharing the dimensions (specifically the height of the first and top step)?
Thanks!
Fred
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