This pair of stools was inspired by a video I watched about making Stanton Stools with hand tools only. These two stools were made from a single 2×12 by 6′ board of local construction lumber (Douglas Fir) board. This was a gratifying woodworking project and the total cost was ~$12. The stools were finished with a Cherry stain and several coats of Polyurethane.

Because the stools are of different heights (leg lengths), the sanded pieces are labeled with Painter’s Tape to avoid errors in final assembly.

This simple fixture was fabricated from the remainder my 6′ Douglas Fir stock. The purpose is to drill 9-degree angled holes in the seat and legs using my Drill Press.

Being a wood turning neophyte, I had trouble measuring and sizing tenons. I created this measuring tool from a 4/4 (15/16″) scrap Oak piece. Along both long sides I marked a pencil line to pass through the diameter of each hole drilled with my Forstner drill bit set. The holes were arranged to fit a variety of hole sizes on my scrap piece. After drilling, I accurately sawed (ripped) through the diameter of all the holes, leaving a “perfect” half circle. Due to the relative thick height (15/16″) of this gauge I can identify which parts of the tenon need further trimming. Once my tenon fits into the half circle the fit is perfect. My turned tenons went from being sloppy to a snug fit every time.

Finally, to get a proper angle on the feet for flat resting, I temporarily glued a sheet of sandpaper to small Melamine rectangle. Then, standing the stool upright on the Melamine, I manually sanded each foot flat to the horizontal plane.

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I made this Gate Leg Drop Leaf Table in my garage using only a table saw and Router. When unfolded, the tabletop is flat and smooth, about 6 ft. wide, strong and sturdy. Finished with one coat of Shellac, Oak Stain and 4 coats of Polyurethane. This table was used for many years at my niece’s home as their main kitchen table.

Dropping the leaves reveals the signature Rule Joint. One or both leaves can be deployed as necessary. When the leaves are folded, the table stores compactly and conveniently out of the way.

The gate legs fold snugly inside the dropped leaves.

Download the full, original woodworking plans below. Makes a handsome, sturdy table that will last for years to come.

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After gluing all 64 squares together, in strips of 4, I rubber-cemented sandpaper (rough side up) to a Melamine Particleboard Panel and sanded the board perfectly flat manually using random circular and rotating motions. It didn’t take long.

Note the center Oak strip to ensure proper Chessboard playing orientation. I was pleased at the tight square corners and mitered border.

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These nested wooden bowls are made of Figured Maple, about 10″ in diameter and 3.25″ tall. Finished in Tried and True Original (Beeswax and Linseed oil).

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