Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

Ian Anderson

Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Spring 2021

This stool, a collage of scrap wood made utilizing modern versions of joinery methods like those used by John Surlis for his Leitrim Stool, is quite easy on the eyes because of its organic form. Tools like the quick bar clamp and the hand block planer are fun to use, making the 1 full day assembly time fly by.

Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Assembly
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1     Propping up one side on a piece of wood, saw lengths of wood for the following steps.
1     Propping up one side on a piece of wood, saw lengths of wood for the following steps.
2     Glue pieces of wood together to make a roughly 18in x 1.5in x 1.5in (46cm x 4cm x 4cm) piece.
2     Glue pieces of wood together to make a roughly 18in x 1.5in x 1.5in (46cm x 4cm x 4cm) piece.
3     Clamp the glued pieces together tightly and let dry. Repeat steps 2-3 two more times, to make 3 total legs.
3     Clamp the glued pieces together tightly and let dry. Repeat steps 2-3 two more times, to make 3 total legs.
4     Glue and clamp wood pieces together to make a roughly 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece.
4     Glue and clamp wood pieces together to make a roughly 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece.
5     Use the planer tool to shave the edges off of the legs, and shave one end of each leg down to a 1.25in (3cm) diameter. This measurement should match the size of the drill bit you are using.
5     Use the planer tool to shave the edges off of the legs, and shave one end of each leg down to a 1.25in (3cm) diameter. This measurement should match the size of the drill bit you are using.
6     Saw each corner off of the 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece.
6     Saw each corner off of the 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece.
7     Further saw each existing corner off of the 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece to make a circular form.
7     Further saw each existing corner off of the 13.5in x 13.5in x 1.5in (35cm x 35cm x 4cm) piece to make a circular form.
8     Use caution with this step. With two firm hands on the drill, drill 3 holes through the top of the seat and out the bottom of the seat. Each hole angled outward.
8     Use caution with this step. With two firm hands on the drill, drill 3 holes through the top of the seat and out the bottom of the seat. Each hole angled outward.
9     Apply glue to the legs and twist through the seat holes until the leg emerges out the other end.
9     Apply glue to the legs and twist through the seat holes until the leg emerges out the other end.
10     Saw away the excess of the legs.
10     Saw away the excess of the legs.
11     Sand the rough edges and sand away the excess glue.
11     Sand the rough edges and sand away the excess glue.
12     Brush on two coats of varnish.
12     Brush on two coats of varnish.
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Hard Wood, Various Sizes
*Any popular hardwood can be used, like Poplar, Birch, Beech, Cherry, and Oak. Softer hardwoods like Cherry and Poplar are recommended.
Satin Clear Acrylic Varnish
Quantity required: 1/2 Quart
Tools
Wood Glue
Quick Bar Clamp, Medium/Heavy Duty
Hand Block Planer
Hand Saw
Power Drill
1 1/4in Spade Drill Bit
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
Help Each Other

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