LumberJocks

Step Stool for My Kids

Project by Eric posted 340 days ago 964 views 3 times favorited 19 comments Add to Favorites Watch

My buddy found a mattress “pallet” (pine?) from an Ikea bed (see the pic here) discarded on the side of the road, and passed it on to me. I was happy to take the opportunity to make something out of a wood that wasn’t a tropical hardwood (about all I can find here that’s reasonably priced). The wedges for the tenons are from scrap hardwood that came off an old cabinet.

So here it is. This one was a “speedy” project, only taking me about 40 days as opposed to six months for my last one. The stool was made entirely with hand tools. I finished the box with a couple coats of BLO/varnish/spirits, followed by a couple more coats of varnish/spirits. You can read about the building of this stool in my blog series here on LumberJocks.

I in no way expect to come close to winning the “One Man’s Junk” contest, but I am very proud to have come so far as to actually have an entry! As all the Miss America losing contestants say, “It’s just an honor to be here.”

Tools used: ryoba saw, coping saw, Stanley #4 plane, spokeshave, cabinet scraper, chisels, combination square, and a carving chisel (to accentuate the lines in between boards).

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com


19 comments so far

View 3fingerpat's profile

3fingerpat

660 posts in 419 days


posted 340 days ago

Nice work Eric. This is very close to what I am building for my wife to aid her in getting in and out of bed. I was thinking of using two braces let into the sides but your wedged tenon is giving me second thoughts. Thanks for the post and new ideas.

-- "You get what you inspect, not what you expect"

View Russel's profile

Russel

1769 posts in 691 days


posted 340 days ago

That’s a pretty cool stool. The dovetails and wedged tenons add nice detail to the simple lines.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

16275 posts in 573 days


posted 340 days ago

This turned out pretty nice, Eric. You have a nice entry into the contest as well.

Well done. By the way it looks as if you have a satisfied client. :)

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

View Dick, & Barb Cain's profile

Dick, & Barb Cain

6381 posts in 1051 days


posted 340 days ago

A beautiful stool for a beautiful little girl.

A very nice finish, & great craftsmanship.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View trifern's profile

trifern

7776 posts in 519 days


posted 340 days ago

Nice build Eric and thanks for sharing.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

View teenagewoodworker's profile

teenagewoodworker

2374 posts in 520 days


posted 340 days ago

looks great Eric! thanks for the post

View PurpLev's profile

PurpLev

1777 posts in 400 days


posted 340 days ago

that thing just looks NICE! can’t imagine this coming out of a pallet…!

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

View Eric's profile

Eric

785 posts in 535 days


posted 340 days ago

Here’s what the wood came from:

Mattress Pallet

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

View Dominic Vanacora's profile

Dominic Vanacora

502 posts in 621 days


posted 340 days ago

Well here we go again, every time I look at the stool I make I’ll be thinking of your’s. Nice reuse of lumber and a great project and your child will have it until the end of time. I hope you signed it. This will be around for a long long time. Very nice.
PS
Did you have to make it all with hand tools. Now I really feel bad.
Oh well some of us have it and some don’t.

-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida...Lets be safe out there.

View ChicoWoodnut's profile

ChicoWoodnut

884 posts in 567 days


posted 340 days ago

You definitely have it Eric!

Nice job on a fun looking project.

BTW, I think Im going on close to a year on my current project LOL. Plus 17 blog entries.

But once I am done figuring out all the design elements I’ll have them tucked under my belt for my next project.

Thanks

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

View SteveKorz's profile

SteveKorz

2007 posts in 465 days


posted 340 days ago

Very nice Eric!

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

View Paul's profile

Paul

597 posts in 844 days


posted 340 days ago

Looks great! Clean lines, excellent joinery. I’m sure your stool will last for a long time.

-- Paul, Texas

View jockmike2's profile

jockmike2

5707 posts in 998 days


posted 340 days ago

Very nice project, you did very good. Be proud. The little girl looks like she is.

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

View motthunter's profile

motthunter

2075 posts in 550 days


posted 340 days ago

love it when trash becomes treasure

-- making sawdust....

View RobS's profile

RobS

1191 posts in 1058 days


posted 340 days ago

Nice Eric! I enjoyed the journey. Thanks for sharing.

-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX

View Dorje's profile

Dorje

1770 posts in 748 days


posted 340 days ago

This came out great Eric! Your handcut joinery looks sharp!

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

View Martin Sojka's profile

Martin Sojka

1317 posts in 1224 days


posted 335 days ago

woo hoo.. cool stool Eric. the smile says it all ;)

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://profile.to/msojka

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9430 posts in 740 days


posted 335 days ago

Hand tools rule! Nice job Eric!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View Grumpy's profile

Grumpy

12048 posts in 603 days


posted 334 days ago

Great job. Good luck in the contest.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

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