The Step Stool Project

[build4fun]

I have now made more of these step stools for others than I can count. My favorite is the quarter sawn oak version, but others might like different wood variations. Here is a video with the steps for making it.

 

[DSWalker]

If you have any grandkids, these are a must!

I also love the QS oak version. Very nice.

 

[build4fun]

If you have any grandkids, these are a must!

I also love the QS oak version. Very nice.

I agree. I built these for several years and it was almost always a new mom that was looking for one. Always surprised they are not given as a baby shower gift.

 

[Jeff]

Why didn't you center the leg tenon instead of offsetting it?

 

[build4fun]

Why didn't you center the leg tenon instead of offsetting it?

Now that is an interesting and good question. I have a reasonable, albeit imperfect, answer (some observation, but no hard science). In my first iteration of the design I did center the tenon as a first instinct. But after tinkering with multiple prototypes, I then felt like anything but a perfect mortise/tenon made the connection between the top and ends wobbly. While attaching the rails did help, it also seemed to me that the stress at the rail/end connection would be higher with a centered tenon since as it was more prone to lateral movement (although I did not measure the stress at the connection with strain gauges or similar). By offsetting the tenons, I found it improved lateral stability - I could even stand on the step stool without any rails or glue. It seemed more stable and thus I thought the rail/end connection would have less stress and thus a longer life.

 

[Henry W]

I have now made more of these step stools for others than I can count. ....

In Dutch these are called 'bunkies' (sp?) and there were many bunkies around our place growing up - I descend from a long line of short people, (at average height, I am the tallest one in my nuclear family (parents/siblings); my children are generally taller than either of us). THe point being that these 'height enhancers' were essential in our house, and they weren't just for kids.
The version I have seen most often includes a ellipse (oval?) cutout centered in the top as a quick hand-hold. I think once you try that, you'll never go back; it makes it an easy one hand grab without needing much grip strength.

 

[build4fun]

In Dutch these are called 'bunkies' (sp?) and there were many bunkies around our place growing up - I descend from a long line of short people, (at average height, I am the tallest one in my nuclear family (parents/siblings); my children are generally taller than either of us). THe point being that these 'height enhancers' were essential in our house, and they weren't just for kids.
The version I have seen most often includes a ellipse (oval?) cutout centered in the top as a quick hand-hold. I think once you try that, you'll never go back; it makes it an easy one hand grab without needing much grip strength.

I am not so tall either and need one of these around the house as well For the one in the picture, it is a quick one-hand grab as well - grab the side rail with thumb on the top step. However, I have seen pictures of rectangular step stools with a hand hole, but have not tried them. I also have not seen many examples that have an oval step. Would you mind sending me a picture of one that you think looks nice? I am just curious more than anything.

 

[Henry W]

... I also have not seen many examples that have an oval step. Would you mind sending me a picture of one that you think looks nice? I am just curious more than anything. ....

Me too. The hand hole is rounded/oval/ellipse/whatever in the version I am familiar with; the top is rectangular. So you likely have seen the version I am trying to describe.

 

[Jeff]

Like this?

Handle Foot Stool by ArtMinds™

This unfinished wood stool is an ideal addition to a kitchen, bathroom or living room area. Decorate with paints, stains or die-cut pieces.

www.michaels.com

 

[Henry W]

No, the cut out I have seen was in the top, not the sides/legs. Of course either would work.

 

[Jeff]

This is an oval cutout in the top that you stand on.

 

[Grimmy2016]

@build4fun fun Mind if we share this on our own social media pages such as FB, YT and Insta?

 

[build4fun]

@build4fun fun Mind if we share this on our own social media pages such as FB, YT and Insta?

For sure, yes, please do share. I would also like to share the written plans for free as well, so let me know if you have a good idea for that as well.

 

[Mike Davis]

For sure, yes, please do share. I would also like to share the written plans for free as well, so let me know if you have a good idea for that as well.

You can convert to PDF and upload to the resources section here.
Thanks for contributing to the community.

 

[build4fun]

You can convert to PDF and upload to the resources section here.
Thanks for contributing to the community.

Here is a link to the written plans that I added to NCwoodworker as a free resource. How to Make a Strong Wood Step Stool - DIY Woodworker Weekend Project

 

[build4fun]

@build4fun fun Mind if we share this on our own social media pages such as FB, YT and Insta?

I have also added the detailed written plans as a free resource for the NCwoodworker community. How to Make a Strong Wood Step Stool - DIY Woodworker Weekend Project

 

[Mike Davis]

Here is a link to the written plans that I added to NCwoodworker as a free resource. How to Make a Strong Wood Step Stool - DIY Woodworker Weekend Project

Perfect!
People always ask me ’Do you have plans for that?’ And I always say ‘yeah, I plan to use it.’
I don’t think I have ever built anything from plans, I did finally draw some rough plans for a shave horse after so many asked. I took drafting in high school and know how to do some computer drafting but it seems like a waste of time for me. I really don’t understand why people can’t just look at something and build it. But, I am learning all people are different and think differently, have to do things in their own way.

 

[Jeff]

I downloaded the plan from "Resources" just to see it. Looks good and easy to follow for building the stool.

 

[build4fun]

Perfect!
People always ask me ’Do you have plans for that?’ And I always say ‘yeah, I plan to use it.’
I don’t think I have ever built anything from plans, I did finally draw some rough plans for a shave horse after so many asked. I took drafting in high school and know how to do some computer drafting but it seems like a waste of time for me. I really don’t understand why people can’t just look at something and build it. But, I am learning all people are different and think differently, have to do things in their own way.

I love your comment ... 'I plan to use it'... I mostly built things from plans when I started, but can now do it from a picture, a napkin sketch, or cardboard mockup. But that definitely takes time and everyone learns differently.... so there seems to be a need for videos and written plans. But writing detailed plans and making videos often requires different skill sets than building ... and a lot more time and effort.

 

[mquan01]

I have also added the detailed written plans as a free resource for the NCwoodworker community. How to Make a Strong Wood Step Stool - DIY Woodworker Weekend Project

I have a no permission to download