Pie Stool

This project is an exercise in understanding and practicing traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The stool is assembled without the use of adhesives or metal fasteners. It respects the tradition of all timber joinery to make a strong, long-lasting product. It is made from American Walnut. The primary learning from this project was the precision and care required to execute a piece like this at an acceptable level of refinement.

Cutting and fitting precision joinery in this project was crucial. The above left photo shows the timber top being set on a jig at an angle of precisely 10 degrees. I custom designed, laser cut and post-machined that protractor for purposes such as this. The above right photo shows a couple of the chisels that were used to adjust the mortises by hand.

The photos above show how the legs are joined to the top of the stool. The tenons protrude completely through the top and are wedged with a contrasting species of timber. With this joinery technique, no glue or extra fasteners are required. This joint is permanent and will last for decades.

Revisions:

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