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Folding Chair / Stool Free Project Plan

I was reading a woodworking magazine a while ago and saw an appeal from
a subscriber writing for plans for an antique chair that folded into a step
stool. The subscriber sent a sketch of what he wanted. I had never seen
such a chair/step stool, but thought it was a great idea.

From the sketch, I came up with my design of a chair/step stool. Since then, I have seen an ad for plans for a similar folding chair/stool, and recently I found an actual antique chair/step stool, and recently I found an actual antique chair/step stool almost exactly like this one. i wish I had seen it before designing mine. It would have saved a lot of time.

Step 1
Carefully study all of the plans to get an idea of how each part is made and how it all goes together.

Step 2
Cut all parts to overall size. Use a hardwood such as ash or oak.

Step 3
Lay out on a heavy piece of paper or cardboard the profiles of the back leg, front leg brace, and seat front, parts numbers 1through 4, 8 and 9. Be sure to note the locations of all slots and dadoes.

Step 4
Transfer your patterns to the wood and cut out. Be sure to make identical pairs.

Step 5
Noting the detail plans, cut all of the other pieces to shape.
Important: Do not cut any of the dadoes at this time; wait until after the sides are assembled.

Step 6
Using a biscuit joiner, make all cuts in the ends of parts number 2,3,4,5, and 8, as shown in the drawings. You could dowel these parts if you do not have a biscuit joiner.

Step 7
Assemble the sides using parts number 1through 5. Make these
subassemblies exact pairs.

Step 8
Cut the 3/4-inch-wide by 1/4-inch-deep dadoes at this time as shown on the inside surfaces of parts number 1,2,4, and 5. Be sure to make a right- hand and left-hand pair of sides.

Step 9
Complete the assembly. Take care that everything fits snugly. Since this will be stood on, be sure to glue all joints securely. Drill and nail the parts together if there is any doubt about strength.

Step 10
Add the piano hinge, part number 15, and check that the chair folds into a step stool—adjust as necessary.

Step 11
Remove the hinge and finish to suit. I used a clear gloss finish to show off the grain of the wood.

Step 12
Reattach the piano hinge, part number 15, and add the hook, part number 16. Check that it functions correctly.

No.	Name	Size	Required
1	Back Leg	3/4 x 4 - 32 1/2 Lg	2
2	Back Brace	3/4 x 1 3/4 - 15 3/4	2
3	Rail	3/4 x 2 1/2 - 4 1/4	2
4	Front Leg	3/4 x 4 -16 1/2 Lg.	2
5	Front Brace	3/4 x 1 3/4 - 16 5/8	2
6	Bisquit	Size as Required	8
7	Back	3/4 x 2 1/4 x 14 Lg.	2
8	Brace	3/4 x 1 3/4 - 12 1/2 Lg.	1
9	Seat Front	3/4 x 4 3/4 - 15 Lg.	1
10	Seat Back	3/4 x 8 1/2 - 15 Lg.	1
11	Step	3/4 x 7 1/4 - 13 Lg.	1
12	Step	3/4 x 5 3/4 - 13 Lg.	1
13	Top Step	3/4 x 5 1/4 - 15 Lg.	1
14	Screw- FL Hd.	No. 8 -1 3/4 Lg.	36
15	Hinge - Piano	1" x 15 Lg.	1
16	Hook W/Screws	Large	2

 
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