Make this modern stool for UNDER $5!

Build a clean, modern stool from a single 2x4 and basic hand tools for only $5.

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Tools in this build (affiliate):

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[alfonsoPina]

"My job here is to make the dumb mistakes so you don't have to." Thank you sir, you do great work and explain and do stuff to make it look real

[coreygrua]

“You can also...”. Those three words are one reason I appreciate RK videos. “But we don’t have one of those.” is another. Rex has a mind that goes in many directions. “Pretty [darn] great!” is yet another statement that any woodworker wants to say.

[jerrystark]

I am impressed that you made a really nice stool out of a Douglas Fir 2x4. Well done. Douglas Fir is a pleasure to work with and has a great strength-to-weight ratio. It is also quite durable and attractive. I think I am going to make one of these, too.

In my experience, I have learned to avoid 2x4s of ANY kind when I can, other than for carpentry. Another good way to go is to use Douglas Fir or Southern Yellow Pine in larger dimensions. I tend to buy these in 12' or 16'' lengths . Sixteen foot 2 x 12s are the best because they come from the best trees, lumber wise, and big box stores will cut them to length as you ask, if necessary for transport. The key here is not the length but rather the width.

Whatever length boards you have, rip them into approximate thirds along the grain -- whatever fraction yields the best wood after you examine the end grain of each board. If the boards are too long for easy ripping, just cut them oversize for the length of your project parts and then rip them. Then you can use the outer thirds as leg stock and the inner third as seat stock or secondary wood. The outer thirds will yield nearly quarter-sawn stock while the inner thirds will look like your average 2x4. It costs a bit more up front for the extra width, for sure, but typically not more per board foot. However, but the quality of the wood you get will be much, much better. It will be both more attractive and and more stable.

Typically, 2x4 dimensional lumber is cut from smaller, less desirable trees, so it contains a very high percentage of heart wood -- which is why (1) most 2x4s are pretty crappy, and (2) these can be less desirable for most furniture projects. Using 2x12s or 2x16s allows one to cut away the heartwood and maximize the rift-sawn / quarter-sawn yield from the outer edges of each board. Buying dimensional lumber in 12' or 16' lengths also makes it easier to cut around serious knots or other defects, because you have more board to work with from the start.

All in all, this approach yields surprisingly little waste. Douglas Fir is a great wood for small boxes and chests, as well, so this also results in less waste, over all. (The knotty scraps make great-smelling firewood because they are full of resin.) For bigger projects, Southern Yellow pine is excellent -- it is very strong and hardens with age. (The knotty scraps also burn beautifully.)

I prefer to rip wider dimensional lumber with a band saw. If I can't do that, I use a circular saw. The table saw is never my first option for this purpose, because these boards are usually a bit too warped to cut safely on a table saw, unless you are ripping a piece that is quite short-- 36" or less.

Also, I recommend that you let the boards acclimatize to your shop for a while both before and after you rip them -- if this is an option. Once the boards have settled in to your shop climate, then you can dimension them according to the needs of your project. This is not always possible for the DIYer, but it is always a good idea.

Consider these comments for what they are worth -- which is about half what you paid for them.

Most importantly, I really like your videos, your recommendations, and your techniques. Thanks.

[Katsoup]

One of the best things about your videos is the innovative approach to problem solving, like turning a plane iron into a scraper! As a new woodworker, it's nice to see someone finding solutions that alleviate the "I don't have every single tool ever made" feeling you get walking into an entire universe of craftsmanship. Thanks for the video, Rex.

[MikelNaUsaCom]

I've started doing the same thing, but got the fresh idea of growing the trees in my yard over the last 25 years or so... and now I'm reaping these trees... one or two of the trees have been drying for the last year or so... as i cut them down last spring. I had them cut up into sections with a chain saw... i was going to use a band saw to do the rips, but then decided to rip them with a hand saw... it's more of a journey than a destination... but good exercise and a bit of fun. so far I've only gotten a few 2x4's out of this... but have lost about 20 lbs. =D

[prima]

I really liked that you showed how to do this using mostly hand tools. Not everyone has a bunch of fancy power tools lying around and this is helpful to see how something can be made using simple/less expensive tools that non-workers might have at home already.

[broakland]

Watched this video 4 times as I’m in the midst of making this, though I’m not using all hand tools, I used table saw to break down the 2x4 and used a hole saw to make the tenons. I really enjoyed using the plane to shape the legs. Having a lot of fun. I love your videos!

[stanleydenning]

Rex Krueger: I'm an old hand at woodworking. Not quite a master. Although some claim I am. But I do enjoy your tuderals. You teach me how to teach and bring me back to my beginnings.

[Loweboy]

I absolutely love how down to earth you are with your woodworking. You really inspire me in my own work. Thanks Rex

[ryanthood]

I just finished my stool based on this design. I chose to use a 2x8 douglass fir board which had the benefit of having fewer knots and not requiring a lamination to make the seat. The project turned out well.

[hankjones]

As a hint on soft wood. A lot of time Hemlock is mixed in with Douglas Fir. The difference is Hemlock is tougher (I've bent a lot of nails). It also has as redder tint to it. Check it out.

[chrisbalcerek]

I built it, even built a matching desk for my daughter to go with it, all out of the scraps from my workbench build. Thanks for the ideas, and sharing the tips and tricks that I would have fought with to figure out the little details.

[Kgrhj]

"Relax." You know, most of the time when people say that, they're being rude. You made me feel relaxed!

[speedpedals]

Excellent video. I appreciate people that can overcome problems without having to spend a months salary on specialized, job specific tools. Thank you.

[rm-paradise]

Rex, you’re the man!! Outstanding build. I really enjoyed making this Modern Stool. I was impressed how stable it is (not surprising of the tripod design), but how sturdy it is. I was concerned with the angles drilled for the tenons, but was able to cut the stretchers to give me the rake and splay I was looking for. I used all hand tools except for drilling the mortises', it was just fun to make. The double tapered (well octagon tapered) legs with octagon faces give it a really modern wood-look. Finished it off with poly. It’s so refreshing to see you add new tips/tricks and sharing your years of know-how without the costly expensive tools. You are my hero. 3/3/2024

[woodworkingaspirations]

The ideal confluence of form, function and aesthetics while keeping it simple. Lovely stool.

[dakistle]

Just started work on this chair last night. I also have my eye on that english joiners bench.

This channel is great!

[TheTrav]

Another tip for the brace and bit drill until you can just begin to feel the spiral tip just protrude from the underside. Then flip it and use that tiny hole to align the bit and start drilling. Saves using multiple tools.

[TheDakotawolf]

Good to see a wood worker that use affordable tools thx Rex

[stratelicious]

I an old guy who is just starting out in woodworking. I love the videos and the lessons learned from them.Although my ultimate goal is to build a guitar these projects will get me more comfortable working with wood And I may get some new furniture as a plus lol