| Project by Bill | posted 1933 days ago | 10799 views | 33 times favorited | 16 comments | ![]() |
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This is my latest project, a Franklin Chair. This chair is attributed to Ben Franklin, or so the legend goes. Anyway, This chair will convert from a chair to a step ladder.
This chair was made from Pine, and finished with clear shellac. It is approximately 40” tall by 18” wide by 20” deep. The chair height is 19”, which is the one thing I would change when making this chair again. I would lower it an inch or two to be a more comfortable chair.
Actually, as it is the chair is comfortable to sit in. The hinges are not that noticeable, at least if you are not setting for a long time.
While it might not fit with my decor, it does make a handy step ladder or extra chair as needed.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
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16 comments so far
GaryK
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10263 posts in 2184 days
#1 posted 1933 days ago
Pretty cool. I am actually in the process of making one myself.
-- Gary - Never pass up the opportunity to make a mistake look like you planned it that way - Tyler, TX
Bill
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2579 posts in 2357 days
#2 posted 1933 days ago
Thanks Gary.
I added the little “spurs” on the bottom of the legs, to help keep them aligned when closed. It does seem to help. They were sticky at first, but have become more smooth with time.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
Karson
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34394 posts in 2596 days
#3 posted 1933 days ago
Looks great Bill. Nice job.
-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
MsDebbieP
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18328 posts in 2356 days
#4 posted 1933 days ago
I need to find the plans for one of these. They are so cool
Nice.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Greg3G
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815 posts in 2281 days
#5 posted 1933 days ago
I really need to build one of these for my wife…she is constantly asking me to come in and get something down for her. She is only about 5’3”. Looks good Bill. good design.
-- Greg - Charles Town, WV
Scott Bryan
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27253 posts in 2018 days
#6 posted 1933 days ago
Bill,
This is a nice job and a very practical piece of furniture.
-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine
Dan'um Style
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10956 posts in 2179 days
#7 posted 1933 days ago
I like it. do you have a plan or sketchup ?
-- keeping myself entertained
MsDebbieP
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18328 posts in 2356 days
#8 posted 1933 days ago
they could use one of these at Lowe’s.
Rick and I had to run into the store for something and while he was searching for whatever it was, I stood by the safety – sunglasses display. Great display! Each style of glasses shown nicely for easy comparison. Each attached to a “zinger” as I call them, so you could try them on but they’d go back to their right spot. Each section of the display had its own mirror. Really well thought out. But, I couldn’t even see the hair on the top of my head, the mirror was “so high” and it wasn’t movable. So I don’t know what I looked like with my chosen pair on my face. Couldn’t see a thing. I guess they expect woodworkers to be well over 5’ high.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
rikkor
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11296 posts in 2070 days
#9 posted 1933 days ago
It looks great. I have never seen one of these before I joined LJ. I want to build one for my kitchen. Can you point me to a plan?
grovemadman
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556 posts in 1967 days
#10 posted 1933 days ago
I bet there might be one of these in my shop soon….LOL I might use barrel hinges though, the piano hinge don’t look too comfy. Thanks for the post Bill and the pics are very clear too.
-- --Chuck
Tony
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974 posts in 2226 days
#11 posted 1932 days ago
Excellent work – I really like it – very practicle
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
woodup
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145 posts in 2139 days
#12 posted 1932 days ago
I’ve been looking for ideas on this converting stepping stool but I didn’t know what it was called. Great Project.
-- Michael, Fort Worth, TX. "I wood if I could!"
Bill
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2579 posts in 2357 days
#13 posted 1931 days ago
Thanks for all of the comments.
The plan I used was from “The Essential Pine Book” which is available through Amazon or the Lumberjocks store.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
cajunpen
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12940 posts in 2261 days
#14 posted 1931 days ago
That is a neat chair/ladder. Thanks for point out the book – I’ll have to check that out.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
Bill
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2579 posts in 2357 days
#15 posted 1931 days ago
The book also has several more projects you might enjoy building, such as an outdoor planter bench, a sofa table, and even a blanket chest. There are 12 projects in total.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
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