Here are two step stools I made out of birch. I initially cut the stock about 9 months ago, maybe more, before getting distracted by getting a job, building a workbench, home renovations, making a guitar, building a PC, other nonsense. I had made one of these stools before, but although I found the process for these somewhat slow going (I’ve spent probably 15 hours or so since picking them back up), I definitely have made some improvements since last build.

• I didn’t fit the stretchers into the legs and then face plane them, causing lose joints like last time
• The joints are nice and tight.
• Working on the full size bench was so much easier on my back than on my low bench, though I definitely felt it after spending an entire day on this stuff.
• Having the Veritas router plane makes a huge difference when cutting dados.

I will need to post about the workbench. It’s been part-done for like 6 months, but my goal is to actually complete it before the new year. I made a lot of progress in the past ten days or so - aprons glued up and attached to leg frames - but I put it on hold so that I could get these two Christmas gifts finished on time. I suspect I have about enough time to finish seating the top level on the trestles, glue it to the front apron, install the tool well and vice and get a layer or two of finish on, but we’ll see! I’ll post when I’m done if it’s of interest!

Then in 2026 maybe I can get to what the actual goal at the end of this tech tree is - building instruments! Though, I have a furniture project or two in mind.