A lightweight stool/bedside table with slightly asymmetrical legs and geometric cuts.

4-part design for assembly, with a lock mechanism, made on a CNC router. Based on a model developed by Twistab.

Step 1: Getting Started

What you will need:

- software: Adobe Illustrator, Rhino or similar

- 18 mm wood (any kind of hard plywood)

- a chisel, a hammer, a file, sandpaper sheets, and a sandpaper machine

- a bit of patience.

Step 2: Download the Files

Download and open the file. I attach the same design in Illustrator and Rhino.

If you wish, change the design of legs and the outlines of the seat (larger circle). In my final design, I made both parts wide. With any alterations, pay attention to the lock mechanism of legs and the seat: it should stay untouched and centered.

Feel free to use any software to create the shapes. You can make a drawing in Illustrator and then transfer it to Rhino, or make your design directly in Rhino: it only depends on your software skills and comfortable digital workspace.

Step 3: Prepare Your Design for CNC

Here, color layers assigned to the lines indicate different machine operations; it can be helpful for a specialist to prepare your files for the machine.

Bridges are placed if needed, in case a piece of wood is very large, you have small details, and there is a chance any part can move in the milling process. I had some good experience with strong double-sided tape, but it depends on the material you are using. It is also possible to put screws on certain parts of your wood sheet if your design allows it. Keep in mind: bridges later need to be cut off manually: don't put more than you really need.

Step 4: Collaborate

Bring your files to a nearby Fablab or a workshop. You will need to arrange your wood sheet on a machine bed; make sure it is flat and won't move. A specialist will prepare your files and will send them to a machine. Now, wait and watch!

Step 5: Finetune the Parts

When your stool parts are out of the machine, they still might need some finishing: sanding the top and the edges (in my case I had a manufacturer print). Carefully cut the bridges off with a chisel and a hammer. If the joining parts don't fit freely, sand them a bit, then you will be able to disassemble the stool anytime you want.