Wooden Step Stool Project

Wooden Step Stool Project

By building a wooden step stool, the students will learn:

1)How to use measuring devices accurately

2)How to select the proper tools for a job

3)How to use power and hand tools safely

4)The process of creating a finished product from raw materials

Materials needed:

Enough wood, either pine or poplar, nails, and wood stain for each student to be able to make their own Step Stool.

Measuring tools, such as rulers, tape measures

Hand and Power tools – Table saw, Band Saw, Jig Saw, Belt Sander, Drill Press, Hammers, Sandpaper, paint brushes

Before the fabrication of the project begins, the students need to have an understanding of the project they will be doing. Each student should receive their own copy of the technical drawing of the project. Some time should be spent explaing the drawing and the process that will be used to make the final product.

First, the raw material must be rough-cut to appropriate size. This can be done easily on a table saw. Students at this level may not be comfortable with a table saw, or may not know enough about it to use it properly, so the instructor may do most of this work. Also, some of the rough-cut can be done ahead of time so that students may begin work as soon as possible.

Once the pieces are cut to rough size the students should begin their work on the project. First, the students should layout the dimensions they are working to right on the material. They can do this using simple measuring devices and the prints they were given at the beginning. Have the students draw right on the material so that they know where they have to cut.

After the material has been measured and marked, the students can begin work on cutting the final dimensions of the project. Most cut can either be done with a hand saw or band saw. Be sure that the students know how to use these tools properly before they begin work. Any curved cuts may be done on either a jig saw or band saw. Be sure to have replacement blades ready to prevent extended down time.

If there are any detail cuts that have to be made, first have the students drill near the corners or small curves. This will allow the cutting to be easier and allow for more room for the blade of the saw.

Once all the pieces of the stool have been made, they need to be finished. First, have the students sand all edges, corners, and surfaces of each piece. Make sure there are no sharp edges or splinters left on the parts.