Making a wooden camping stool with a collapsible design is a great project for woodworkers of any skill level. The collapsible feature makes it portable and convenient for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity. Below are the steps to build your own collapsible wooden camping stool.
Materials Needed:
- 2 wooden dowels (around 1 inch in diameter, 24 inches long)
- 2 wooden planks (for the seat and legs, approximately 12 inches by 5 inches)
- 2 hinge brackets (small, about 1 inch by 2 inches)
- Wood screws (1 inch)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Varnish or wood finish
- Drill
- Saw (hand saw or jigsaw)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Tools:
- Drill
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper or a sanding block
- Wood glue
- Varnish or wood finish
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Clamps (optional)
Step 1: Cutting the Wooden Pieces
Start by cutting the wood to the necessary sizes. You will need:
- Seat: A rectangular plank, approximately 12 inches long and 5 inches wide.
- Legs: Two planks, each 12 inches long. These will be the legs of the stool.
- Support dowels: Two wooden dowels that are about 24 inches long. These will serve as the crossbars for stability and collapsing.
Step 2: Preparing the Leg Slots
To ensure the legs fold and collapse, you will need to create slots on both ends of the legs where the dowels will fit. Use your measuring tape to mark a 1-inch by 1-inch section on each leg for the slots. Use a saw or a chisel to carefully carve out these slots, making sure they are deep enough to allow the dowels to slide in and out.
Step 3: Attaching the Legs to the Seat
Once the slots are prepared, it’s time to attach the legs to the seat. First, apply wood glue to the edges of the legs and carefully place them in the correct position on either side of the seat. The legs should be perpendicular to the seat for stability. Use wood screws to secure the legs, drilling pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent the wood from splitting.
Step 4: Installing the Hinges
The collapsible feature comes from hinges that allow the legs to fold inwards. Attach one hinge bracket to each leg where it meets the seat. Make sure the hinge is placed on the inside, so it doesn’t interfere with the leg movement. Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges with screws.
Step 5: Preparing the Dowels
Now, take your two wooden dowels and mark them at the midpoint. These dowels will allow the legs to collapse inward and stay in place when set up. Sand the dowels until they are smooth, removing any rough edges.
Step 6: Attaching the Dowels
Insert the dowels through the slots you cut on the legs. The dowels should run parallel to the seat, so when you fold the legs, the dowels will prevent them from going too far in or out. You may need to add a small amount of wood glue to the ends of the dowels to keep them in place.
Step 7: Sanding and Finishing
Once the stool is assembled, carefully sand all surfaces using medium and fine grit sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough edges and prepare the surface for finishing. After sanding, wipe the stool down with a cloth to remove any dust.
Apply a wood finish or varnish to protect the stool from moisture and wear. Allow the finish to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 8: Testing the Stool
Once the stool is dry, test the collapsible function. The stool should fold easily and lock into place when extended. Ensure that the hinges and dowels are secure and that the stool is stable when used.
Conclusion:
You now have a collapsible wooden camping stool that’s lightweight, portable, and sturdy for your outdoor adventures. This simple design can be customized with different types of wood, stains, or finishes to match your personal style. Enjoy the practicality of your new camping stool!
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