A WikiSeat is a three legged stool that is built by hand. Each WikiSeat starts with a Catalyst that acts as a central support structure. The creator of a WikiSeat has the freedom to gather materials and find their own methods for building the seat. WikiSeat creators can share what they have made and become inspired by others at http://www.wikiseat.org .

This instructable shows how you can build your very own Catalyst! They can be used for all sorts of things:

+A great gift (or challenge) for your DIY friends and family.
+For teachers, building WikiSeats for a class project makes for a fun and engaging experience.
+Or you can build a WikiSeat of your own.

If you plan on building more than just a few Catalysts, check out the WikiSeat Catalyst Jig2 which lets you build Catalysts even faster!

Step 1: Tools and Materials

You will probably need all this stuff

Tools

+MIG Welder
+Something to cut steel: chop saw, band saw, hack saw
+Something to file/grind steel: metal file, grinding wheel, Dremel

+Sand Blaster (optional)
+Drill Press (optional)

Catalyst Materials

+Angle Iron 1"x1", 15" length per catalyst
+Primer and Paint (optional)

Jig Materials

+Three threaded rods 20" length
+Twelve bolts that fit the threading
+Six large washers
+One length of aluminum corner bead

Step 2: Prepare Materials

The Catalyst itself will be constructed using angle iron.

+Cut the angle iron into 5" segments. You will need three pieces of angle iron for each Catalyst.

+File down the corners and edges.

+Drill holes with a drill press. (optional)

+File metal burrs from holes.

Step 3: Prepare Jig

This jig will hold your angle iron in place while welding.

+Shape corner bead into equilateral triangles with each side measuring 10.750"

*** It is very important that each side of the triangle is the same length! You will get a lopsided catalyst if this is not right.***

+Screw the washers and bolts onto the threaded rod so they can hold your angle iron in place.

+Make sure the angle iron is centered on the rod and tighten the bolts

Step 4: Set Up Jig

Set Up

+Place the three threaded rods complete with angle iron between the corner bead triangles and twist in place. This may take a few tries.

+Rotate the threaded rods so that the angle iron lines up flush.

Step 5: Tack

+With the angle iron in the jig, tack weld each outside edge in place

Step 6: Weld

+After tacking the corners, remove the catalyst and weld the inside edges.

I have found that it works best to start at the bottom and drag the bead up to the corner.

Step 7: Finish

Now you have a catalyst!

You may finish this any way you like, but here is what I do:

+sandblast

+spray with white primer

Step 8: Build a WikiSeat and Share It With the World

This catalyst is a framework for building a seat, bench, table or work of art. Or maybe you have other plans in mind?

Check out www.wikiseat.org to share what you build and become inspired by others!