This project was built and designed by Chris from A Glimpse Inside. It’s a creative and inspiring example of how scrap material can be turned into something both functional and beautiful.
Using leftover 90-degree bracket cutoffs, Chris crafted a one-of-a-kind stool or small table with a clean, modern look. The build combines woodworking and resin techniques to give discarded pieces new life.
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The Idea Behind the Build
In woodworking, inspiration doesn’t always come from a fresh stack of lumber. Sometimes, it’s a bin of leftover scraps that sparks the next great idea.
Chris started this project with a pile of bracket offcuts that many people would have thrown away. Instead of adding to the waste pile, he saw an opportunity to create something unique and useful.
This approach celebrates sustainability and creativity by using what’s already on hand. It also serves as a reminder that no piece of wood is ever truly worthless.
Getting the Wood Ready
The first step in the build involved cleaning up and shaping the scrap wood. Chris used a tapering jig, which allowed him to cut the legs with slight angles that improved both stability and visual appeal.
This technique is especially helpful when you don’t have a jointer, and it provides flexibility for angled or straight cuts. By turning each leg 90 degrees and running a second taper, Chris created an elegant look that gives the piece its character.
After cutting, each leg was thoroughly sanded to remove rough edges. For small parts like these, Chris prefers using an upside-down sander, which gives better control.
He also chamfered the bottoms of the legs to round the edges and reduce the chance of splintering. These small touches contribute to the overall professional appearance of the final build.
Assembling with Resin
Rather than relying on clamps or screws, Chris used a silicone mold and clear casting resin to bind everything together. The mold, made by Crafted Elements, was designed to hold the pieces in place during the pour.
This setup allowed the resin to flow between the bracket pieces, filling every gap and locking everything into position. It also served as a visual centerpiece, highlighting the offcuts inside the cured block.
Using resin as a bonding agent removes the need for traditional joinery in this case. The result is a piece that feels seamless and sculptural.
Mixing and Pouring the Resin
Chris used a two-to-one ratio resin mix for the pour, which is typical for deep casting projects. To ensure a clean cure, he stirred thoroughly and then stirred again to avoid any unmixed pockets.
He also pre-coated each scrap piece to minimize air bubbles, a step that makes a big difference in clarity. Skipping this step often leads to bubbles trapped in the final product, which are hard to remove.
The resin was poured slowly and carefully to reduce turbulence. Once filled, the piece was left to cure for over 24 hours, with full hardness taking closer to 36 depending on the room temperature.
Final Touches and Finishing
Once the resin had fully cured, Chris removed the piece from the mold and began sanding to smooth out imperfections. This step required patience, moving through multiple grits until the surface was ready for finish.
He eased the edges of the top using a chamfer bit, giving it a clean and comfortable feel. This detail adds both style and safety, especially for homes with kids.
For the final coat, Chris chose Halcyon clear finish, which offers a protective, kid-friendly top layer. It also enhances the natural and resin components of the project, blending the two materials beautifully.
A Finished Piece with Purpose
The end result is a sleek and modern piece that works as a stool, footrest, or small table. It’s a practical build that also serves as a statement piece in any room.
Chris’s use of scraps and resin opens the door to creative possibilities for future builds. He’s already thinking about using larger molds and combining different materials to explore new forms.
This project is a perfect reminder that creativity thrives within limitations. With just a few offcuts and some resin, Chris turned waste into something remarkable.
See the Full Build:
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://www.aglimpseinside.org