I wanted to build my son a step stool and my wife really liked this one that she saw on a web site.
http://www.meiselwoodhobby.com/Products/ViewProduct.aspx?id=13033
I decided to just buy the plan so I would have the shape of the turtle rather than draw it myself. However, I don't really like the joinery they use for either of the steps. For the small step they are screwing a cleat in for the step to rest on and for the top step they are simply screwing the top down into the sides.
I want to limit any mechanical fasteners. My first idea for the small step was to use a mortise and tenon. This is all 3/4" lumber so the mortise would be about 1/2" deep and 1/2" thick. Would this been strong enough for a step or should I so something else?
I am not really sure what would be best for joining the top step to the sides. I thought possible a mortise and here as well, but it would be really close to the edge of the step and really long. The only other thing I could think of is dowels. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
http://www.meiselwoodhobby.com/Products/ViewProduct.aspx?id=13033
I decided to just buy the plan so I would have the shape of the turtle rather than draw it myself. However, I don't really like the joinery they use for either of the steps. For the small step they are screwing a cleat in for the step to rest on and for the top step they are simply screwing the top down into the sides.
I want to limit any mechanical fasteners. My first idea for the small step was to use a mortise and tenon. This is all 3/4" lumber so the mortise would be about 1/2" deep and 1/2" thick. Would this been strong enough for a step or should I so something else?
I am not really sure what would be best for joining the top step to the sides. I thought possible a mortise and here as well, but it would be really close to the edge of the step and really long. The only other thing I could think of is dowels. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.