Introduction: Simple Plywood Stool

By Welded Work +
About: Hi. I'm Joel Washing and I like to build things. A few years ago while helping some friends build their food truck, I became interested in welding. Along with my new found passion for metal comes a strong desi…

It's always fruitful and inspiring to visit someone else's workshop. In this case, some fellow artists from Toledo, Ohio and I were invited to the Center for Lost Arts in Chicago. We were there to present some of our art work. During the visit, I encountered this simple plywood stool. Its design is entirely based on a stool designed by the man who runs the Center. I liked it some much I decided to build my own.

Center for Lost Arts: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cadler/cente...

Step 1: Build Video

Watch this build video. It will help you to understand the steps involved.

Step 2: Tools and Materials

Tools needed:

- Saw (preferably table saw)
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Square
- Electric drill
- Counter sink drill bit
- 12 (1 ½") General purpose deck screws (I like the ones with star bit over philips)
- Wood clamps (about 4)
- Sandpaper

Materials:

- 1 (24" x 48") ½ inch BC Plywood

Step 3: Dimensions and Layout

Mark out the dimensions on the plywood sheet.

The legs are 16" by 12".

The seat is 12" by 14".

The center support is 13" by 7".

Step 4: Cutting

Using the table saw cut out all of the component parts.

I first cut out the legs, then used one of the legs to mark the width of the seat. Cut the seat out.

I then pre-assembled the legs and seat and traced the inside for the exact dimension of the center support.

Cut out the center support.

Step 5: Some Additional Marks

Mark the center line on both sides of the seat and each of the legs. This help in locating the center support and drilling and screwing.

Also, mark lines half the thickness of the plywood sheet from the edge of the seat where the legs will attach to facilitate drilling and screwing.

Step 6: Screw All the Parts Together

Clamp seat to legs and drill and screw seat to legs (8 screws in top of seat.)

Clamp center support and drill and screw in place (2 screws on each leg for a total of 4 screws.)

Step 7: Sanding

Sand with 80 grit paper. Mostly, to break the edges and hit any other rough spots.

Step 8: Done

Some sort of finish would be good. I'm thinking about a coat of paint and some strips or chevrons. Haven't decided yet.

That's it.

Have fun!