How to Make Wood Stools
- 1). Cut the top stool surface from 3/4-by-8 inch lumber, measuring 12 inches long. Rip cut the board so it measures 7 1/2 inches wide.
- 2). Cut two 12-inch pieces of 3/4-by-8 inch lumber. These will be the sides of the stool.
- 3). Place one of the side pieces in front of you with a narrow side at the bottom. Draw a straight line across the top and center of the board that measures 7 1/2 inches long; there should be 1/4 inch on either side of the line. Using a ruler to make straight lines, draw a line from one end of the line to the bottom corner of the board. Repeat on the other end of the line. Cut out the side piece along these lines. This will form a triangle shape with a flat top. Repeat with the opposite side piece.
- 4). Place one of the side pieces in front of you with the base of the triangle-like shape closest to you. Flip a plastic cup upside down on top of the board. Position the cup so it is in the center of the base of the triangle. Half of the cup should be hanging over the bottom of the triangle. Use a carpenter's pencil to trace the half-circle shape of the cup. Cut out the half-circle with a jig saw. Repeat with the other side piece.
- 5). Stand the two side pieces up on their base. Arrange them so they are parallel to each other, and 12 inches apart. Spread wood glue on the top part of the triangle sides. Carefully place the top piece on top of the sides. Use wood screws to attach the top. Screw one screw through each corner of the top piece down into the side pieces.
- 6). To get a piece of lumber to use as a support brace, cut the 3/4-by-8-inch lumber to measure 10 1/2 inches long. Rip-cut the brace to 3 1/2 inches wide.
- 7). Flip the stool over so the top face is resting flat on the working space. Spread wood glue on one of the long edges and both of the ends of the brace. Slide the brace, glue side away from you, down between the two side pieces at their center point until the edge of the brace is flush against the underside of the stool. Screw it into place through the side pieces and into the brace. Use two screws on each side, about 2 inches apart.
- 8). Sand the corners and edges of the stool lightly. Fill cracks and screw holes with wood putty. Allow the putty and wood glue to dry before using the stool.
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