Hi makerfriends!

I'm an Instructable fan since 2010, and I've always wanted to write an instructable. I noticed that there is a new contest called "BURN IT! CONTEST"... What a perfect occasion to start! With this project I'm gonna show you how to burn some logs in order to make this awesome garden furniture that me and my cousin Dave made years ago.

This is my first instructable so please let me know if I wrong something or where I should improve.

I entered in 3 contest, BURN IT contest (guess why), ON THE BUDGET (it's a cheap project) and SMALL PLACES (it's perfect for small gardens or small terraces).
So... if you like my project PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

PS. Sorry if some photos are unfocused but I took all of them years ago with a scrap camera.

NOTICE! Pay attention working with fire. Me and Dave are not responsible of any damages caused by fire on people, goods or places. If you are under 21 years old, let your parents do all the job.

Step 1: TOOLS NEEDED

For this awesome project you are gonna need:

_ some logs (depending on how many chairs/tables you want to make)

_ a chainsaw

_ a knife

_ a lighter (or fire starter)

_ big wood auger

Step 2: THE CHAIRS

The chairs (or better the stools) are simply logs with two crossed and burned lines.

Once you cut the log at the desired height (I made them 50cm long), you have to cut two crossed line, right as you can see in the first picture. Then you have to start a little fire in the middle of the cross. All the fire sparkles are going to fall down in the center of the log burning the cuts. In order to help them, you can insert 4 little pieces of wood, like in photo4.

At the end, after 2 hours, you should obtain something like my fifth photo.

Repeat this step for all the other stools that you want to realise.

Step 3: THE TABLE

Cut the log for the table higher than the chairs, and then with a big hand auger bit, drill a hole perpendicular to the log.

Now you have to start burning the hole leaving it perpendicular to the floor, remembering to change side every 30 minutes. After 2 hours, the hole should have become bigger, and it should shut off by itself (like for the stools).

Repeat the process for the second hole, but (just for appearance) drill it perpendicular to the first one.

Step 4: ROLL THEM FREQUENTLY

It's very important to roll them almost every 30 minutes, so in this way the holes's diameter will become similar on both side.

Once you burn also the second hole, place it for just 5 minutes in the stand position (vertically), this will burn the part between the two holes, and you will obtain something like the first picture.

Again... REMEMBER TO ROLL THE LOG EVERY 30 MINUTES.

Step 5: SMOOTH ALL THE HOLES AND THE SHARP EDGES

Once you've done all the pieces, let them cool down all the night.

I also suggest you to smooth all the edges with a knife, in this way there will not be anymore sharp edges, or annoying chips.

Step 6: ENJOY YOUR DIY BURNED FURNITURE

Dave and I made in two days two stools and two tables (one higher with two holes, and one smaller with just one bigger hole). You could also use the holes to keep your bottles, your snacks, or whatever you want.

Now enjoy your drinks on your new awesome garden burned furniture.

I think that this will be also a good conversation argument.

Please VOTE FOR ME IN THE CONTESTS if you like this project.

cheers!
zorzo