This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It’s a straightforward, functional build that adds comfort and a personal touch to any small shop or workspace.
Mark originally built these stools to use at his basement workbench. The goal was to create something sturdy, practical, and easy to build without a complicated setup.
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Getting Started with the Build
Mark begins by selecting and prepping his lumber, cutting away rough edges and planing the boards to a consistent thickness. This early prep work ensures the rest of the build goes smoothly and the components fit together cleanly.
To create the angled stool legs, he cuts a test piece and uses it to visualize the design. The same scrap block also serves as a reference when setting up his tools for repeated 7-degree cuts.
Using a compound miter saw, he cuts one end of each leg with the 7-degree angle. A stop block ensures all the legs are the same height, and with that setup, he quickly cuts out eight legs—enough for two stools.
Cutting the Supports
With the legs done, Mark moves on to the cross supports that connect each pair. Using his jointer, he sets the fence angle to match the 7-degree block and mills the edges for consistency.
Back at the miter saw, he cuts the supports to length with matching angles. One of the pieces has a knot, but instead of discarding it, he fills it with epoxy and keeps it as part of the design.
This decision adds some visual interest and reflects the idea that imperfections can contribute to the project’s character. The finished supports balance structure with style.
Assembly Process
With all parts cut, assembly begins by clamping leg sets to the workbench. Mark drills pilot holes, applies glue, and uses screws to fasten everything securely.
This process is repeated for both the top and bottom cross supports. The rectangular stance he chooses gives the stools a bit of flair compared to a traditional square frame.
When space is limited, Mark uses a single screw on some joints but returns to two where possible. For added style, he hides all visible screw heads with walnut plugs.
Making the Seats
The seat tops are made from thicker glued-up pieces of hardwood. After cutting them to size, Mark bevels the underside to lighten the appearance and soften the shape.
Initially, he uses a 7-degree angle for the bevel, but later switches to 14 degrees for a more dramatic effect. Each seat also gets a rounded edge for comfort.
To attach the seats, he drills through the top supports and screws directly into the seat base. The holes are carefully aligned with the grain to accommodate natural wood movement.
A Change in Comfort
After using the stools for a short time, Mark realizes that the solid walnut tops aren’t quite as comfortable as he hoped. Sitting for more than a few minutes becomes uncomfortable due to the hard surface and sharp corners.
To solve this, he adds swivel cushioned tops, which provide more comfort and slightly increase the overall height. The retrofit improves usability and makes the stools more enjoyable to use for longer sessions.
Final Thoughts
Mark notes that although he offers plans for the stools, they aren’t necessary if you stick to the core idea. The consistent 7-degree angle is the foundation for the entire build.
You can adjust the leg height or seat dimensions based on your own needs and still end up with a reliable, functional shop stool. The design is forgiving and easy to adapt.
Want to See the Full Build?
Get Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/product-page/simplestoolplans.