This project was built and designed by Jay Bates. Using leftover materials and a little help from friends, Jay shows how a functional shop stool can come together quickly, making it a great weekend build for any woodworker.
With a relaxed approach and no need for perfection, this project highlights how creativity, collaboration, and a few smart techniques can turn scrap wood into a useful addition to the workshop.
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A Project Born from Friendship and Scrap Piles
The idea for the stool came together during a casual get-together with fellow woodworkers Shawn Stone, Matt Lane, and Jason Barlo. With leftover material lying around and time to kill, the group decided to put their hands to work and build something useful.
That something turned out to be a solid, practical stool—perfect for use in the shop, garage, or even at a workbench. Built with a mix of improvisation and simple techniques, the project proves that sometimes the best builds happen without overplanning.
Starting with the Seat
The stool begins with a piece of scrap 2×2, cut to length for the seat. Jay and the team rip it to final width using a table saw, creating a stable, even surface.
There was no obsession over perfect dimensions or square cuts. The builders knew this stool would be banged around and used daily, so function mattered more than flawless measurements. It’s a helpful reminder that woodworking doesn’t always have to be precise to be effective.
Making Strong, Stylish Legs
The legs come from a scrap piece of 2×12 lumber. By cutting from a wider board, they were able to work around defects and knots to find clean, solid stock.
To create the right angle for the legs, they cut compound angles using a miter saw. Instead of fiddling with complex settings, they ripped a small wedge at 45 degrees to use as a platform, allowing each leg to rest flat on the saw bed during angled cuts. It’s a clever move that saves time and improves accuracy.
Comfort Matters
Though it’s just a shop stool, the team wanted it to be comfortable. They rounded over the seat edges with a router to remove sharp corners.
This simple detail makes a big difference when sitting for long stretches, and it’s the kind of extra step that elevates even the most basic builds. A few quick passes with the router bit transformed a plain board into a seat that’s easy to use.
Framing with Plywood Rails
For the stool’s lower structure, Jay used some exotic CDX Pine plywood that had been seasoning in Shawn’s shop. The pieces were stacked and cut together to ensure matching height and clean edges.
Each rail was attached using pocket hole screws—two per end—for a strong, simple connection. They were installed slightly elevated from the base of the legs, adding a visual break and a touch of design flair.
The Power of Teamwork
With four people on the project, assembly became a group effort. Each builder took turns fitting parts, driving screws, and clamping joints into place.
The process was collaborative, lighthearted, and efficient. More than just a build, it turned into a great opportunity to share ideas and techniques while having fun in the shop.
Clamping and Securing the Top
When it came time to secure the frame to the seat, Shawn used what he jokingly called a “gravity clamp”—which turned out to be a clever technique using his own body weight to press parts together.
This final step locked everything into place and gave the stool its structure. After a quick check for square and stability, the project was done.
A Reminder to Embrace the Process
Jay and the crew weren’t aiming for a showroom piece. The stool has flaws, visible joints, and the character that comes from working quickly with available materials.
And that’s the point—it works, it’s sturdy, and it serves its purpose well. Projects like this remind us that woodworking doesn’t always have to be about precision or perfection. Sometimes it’s just about getting out there and building something useful.
Great for Practice, Perfect for the Shop
This stool is more than just a seat—it’s a useful tool in itself, a confidence builder, and a low-pressure way to practice key woodworking skills. Ripping, angled cuts, routing, pocket hole joinery, and collaborative assembly all came into play.
Whether you’re using up scrap wood or just want a fast and functional project, this one delivers.
Please support Jay by purchasing his plans here: Jay’s Custom Creations.