These are two’ Ulm Stools’… !
It’s a project I chose to learn some techniques and because really like the simplicity of the design. The original design is without a drawer and is by Max Bill who taught at the Bauhaus in the 1950’s. He designed it as a multi functional piece for students who could use it alternately as a stool, a table, a shelf (on its side), a book-carrying thing (upside down, using the crossbar as a handle) or a step. I came across it online and decided to give it a go. Over years it looks like its most common application was as a table so people started adding the drawer, so I tried that too.
I chose Yellow Pine for the dramatic grain and also because of the width of the boards (285mm, finished). The feet and wedge in Sapele, for contrast.
The Box Joints are made using a Rockler Jig on the Router Table. A good thing… easy to make but since someone lent me this one…it’s designed for smaller work pieces but just about worked.
5mm was removed from the cross bar on the lathe and then strengthened with a Wedge. (don’t forget a hidden hole, across the piece, drilled to prevent splitting).
I find Routers a bit nerve wracking (all that screeching) so went for the rest by hand.
It’s riddled with mistakes of course. Tearout on the box joints (even when the router table cut is backed with MDF - any tips?). A hole in drawer which was left in and plugged. Glue-up was super stressful as it moved out of shape but after much dismantling, swearing, and redoing of the clamps it came together OK. There was a lot of swearing but I think it helped…
…So did the advice from may of you… many thanks for that!