You can also view my gallery at Designs en Bois.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Feelin' Groovy

First, let me apologize for a small snafu. I thought I published the last episode on my blog while I was away on vacation, but it turns out I just published it out to iTunes, not the blog. So, if you ordinarily watch or download the videos directly from here, you may actually be seeing two posts go up on the same day (lucky you). Now on to the newest episode:

It's time to start working on the joinery for the step stool.  The trick with this part of the project is that there are only four points of contact that hold the entire piece together, but there are also some wood movement issues to contend with.  The solution to both problems is wedged through tenons that seat in grooves cut into the sides.  The tenons will hold the joint tight, while the grooves will provide the stability for the steps and also allow them to expand and contract seasonally.  The entire process ended up being fairly involved, so I've split the joinery into at least two episodes.  This one focuses on the grooves, and next I'll tackle the tenons and mating through mortises.



Right click to download the HD version of this video

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought this would be a great opportunity to use your new Domino !?! to attach the steps to the sides ?

Great job !

David (runningwood)

Rob Bois said...

Well, in reality I completed this project well before I got the Domino. But even if I hadn't, I think the wedged through tenons would still be the best choice here. In order to compensate for wood movement, I could really only anchor at the center of the step, and a single Domino just wouldn't be strong enough I don't think. BUT, I am going to record a new project "a one day table" using the Domino, so stay tuned for that.

GarageWoodworks said...

I'm digging the series so far. Got a question: When forming your grooves, I'm wondering if you could have made a shim that would have pushed your work piece over by the required amount (after the first kerf cut) at the table saw. The shim could have been fine tuned by practicing on scrap wood. ??

Anyway, I'll be checking back for the next release.

Rob Bois said...

I could have used a shim, but it was just faster and easier to shift the fence over slightly to fine tune the fit. I found that after sanding the steps, each step side was a slightly different thickness (by a few thou) so the setting was a little different for each. This was one of the main reasons behind using the dual saw kerfs rather than a set dado stack.

Rusty said...

Rob- looking forward to seeing the stool in Boston. We met briefly at WIA in Cincy. Having followed your writing desk build last year, I was inspired to join in the WoodExpo fun this year. Driving in tomorrow morning from Jersey...see you there! Rusty

Rusty Burwell
silverpearlwood.com

Rob Bois said...

Rusty, that's fantastic. Glad you'll be making the trip up. If you get in by 5:00 I will be on the main bench demonstrating the stringing technique I used in the desk. Look forward to reconnecting (I do remember meeting you at WIA).

Rusty said...

Rob- sounds good....I'm actually getting in mid-morning - I'm bringing my 'stool'...a different take than yours!

Check it out at: http://silverpearlwood.com/japanese-step-chest-greene-and-greene-2/

...See you then, Rusty