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    Fine Woodworking Project Guides

    Beginner Projects

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    Video

    Building a Small Step Stool

    In this introductory video you'll get an overview of how to make this simple step stool.

    Author Headshot By Tom McKenna Mar 20, 2020

    Built of walnut, this elegant step stool offers beginner woodworkers some great lessons in joinery that can be easily incorporated into larger projects as their skills progress.

    In this Video Project series, you’ll learn how to to use templates at your router table to produce perfectly identical furniture parts safely and quickly. Then you’ll learn how to cut and assemble beautiful wedged through-tenons that are super-strong and easy on the eyes. The wedges are made from a contrasting wood for more visual appeal.

    Most of the operations in this project can be carried out with basic woodworking power tools like a tablesaw and drill press. That sais, if you don’t have a planer and jointer like the ones used in the video series, don’t worry, most hardwood lumber dealers will be more than happy to surface your lumber for a small fee when you purchase your materials.

    Video by: Gina Eide; Editing by: Michael Dobsevage

    Download the PDF plans here

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    Videos in the Series

    • Small Step Stool

      Building a Small Step Stool

      March 20, 2020

      In this introductory video you'll get an overview of how to make this simple step stool.

    • How to Mill Lumber and Cut Through-Mortises

      March 20, 2020

      In this project video on making a step stool, learn how to cut clean through-mortises using power and hand tools.

    • pattern-routing

      Pattern-Routing Basics

      March 20, 2020

      In this project video on making a step stool, you'll learn the fundamentals of pattern-routing.

    • tenons and taperings

      How to Cut Double Tenons

      March 20, 2020

      In this project video on making a step stool, learn how to cut and trim through-tenons. You'll also get some tips on making tapered cuts on the tablesaw.

    • cutting wedges

      Making Wedges for Through-Tenons

      March 20, 2020

      Wedges add strength and style to through-tenon joinery. In this project video on making a step stool, learn some tips and tricks for cutting the wedges and the slots for them.

    • Assembly and Glue Up

      How to Glue up Wedged Through-Tenons

      March 20, 2020

      In this project video on making a step stool, learn how to assemble and glue up wedged through-tenons. You'll also get some finishing tips.

    X
    X
    Next: How to Mill Lumber and Cut Through-Mortises

    Guide

    Beginner Projects

    Chapter

    Step Stools & Tables

    Comments

    1. user-2412056 | Apr 26, 2020 08:42pm | #1

      Where can the plans for this step stool be found ?

      THANK YOU NJC

    2. JimwATL | Apr 30, 2020 01:41pm | #2

      Where are the plans?

    3. johnnychisel | May 05, 2020 10:11am | #3

      PLANS?!?!

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | May 05, 2020 01:52pm | #4

        Linked above. Finally found them!

    4. JimwATL | May 05, 2020 04:06pm | #5

      Thanks Ben!
      simple project but a bit of learning to.

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