Footstools
Footstools
It is a permanent source of inspiration to me that problems posed to woodworkers have no single correct response. If asked to make a footstool, what would a valid response look like? If a footstool is a small flat platform supported 100 to 300mm above the floor, how many ways could I make it? Remember when the old maths teacher knew that there was only one correct answer and it was in the back of the book; woodworkers do the opposite of that.
American oak milking stool
Mortise and tenon is strong. Wedged is better still.
Mortises cut with a 30mm forstner bit.
Tenons cut with a 30mm plug cutter.
Wedges 90 degrees to the grain.
Mortises cut with a 30mm forstner bit.
Tenons cut with a 30mm plug cutter.
Wedges 90 degrees to the grain.
Pepperwood milking stool
Blind wedged tenons. This sort of joint has a satisfying finality about it. Once banged in, it won’t be banged out. The mortise, in this case, is 45mm deep. The tenon, which is split, is 40mm long. A wedge is inserted into the split and left protruding 15mm. As the tenon is banged into place; the wedge seats itself at the base of the mortise and slowly tightens the joint.
The seat is the largest thing my little lathe has turned. It was a bit of an adventure for 0.5 horsepower, but really fun.
Legs are recycled from a broken table.
Blackbutt and spotted gum milking stool
Here is a bit of an adventure in Australian hardwoods, black butt and spotted gum. Out of respect for the impervious nature of our hardwoods I used epoxy. But the joint was created by cutting threads with a large tap and die. Spotted gum can be difficult to handle, so I was pleased when it took a thread easily.
Spruce and American oak milking stool
Sliding dovetails cut with a router. These are pretty standard woodwork.
But, the bright orange top was the source of much experimentation. I love it! My judgement may be prejudiced by the fact that I had so much fun doing it.
Blundstone and river red gum footstool.
You don’t have to use fancy joints to make things. These are bits of spotted gum dowelled into the red gum. A slab of fiddle back red gum was a lucky find. It makes a nice partner for the blokey Blundstones. I gave this hardworking man footy socks and considered other forms of decoration. Sadly, I had just used the tap and die and couldn’t go past a wooden bolt and two wooden nuts. Oh well, good judgement prevailed.
Op shop and radiata pine footstool
Upholstery is a recycled handbag.
Mortises cut into a plywood top were achieved with a scroll saw. Ankles are bridle joints.
The tattoo is a temporary tat from a $2 shop. It holds well to the wood. It has been sealed on with a bit of spray.
Mortises cut into a plywood top were achieved with a scroll saw. Ankles are bridle joints.
The tattoo is a temporary tat from a $2 shop. It holds well to the wood. It has been sealed on with a bit of spray.
Making the boot stool was a inspiring. It sparked a long train of thinking about how far the metaphor of footstool could be pushed. Cliché is fun to paly with. Here is a girl cliché. Would a football stool be upholstered with old football leathers…?
epilogue
All of these stools need more work. I will experiment with different finishes. BUT… most importantly, how can these be translated to work with my neighbours? Is it possible choose a cliché that they will recognise? Is it possible to use some of their old clothing to help bring ownership to their work. What sort of joinery would they be able to achieve that would support their bottoms. Adapting work to fit the needs disability is as inspiring the original thought. These are ideas I will explore if I can get access to enough appropriate timber.
