I’m planning to make several bar stools with some friends. They’re not very experienced in woodworking and I’m using it as an opportunity for them to learn some skills.
I’m considering several different designs for the seats and would appreciate the group’s thoughts.
I would also like the stools to be rather simple to make, have a nice design and to be comfortable. I don’t want the construction to be too complicated or to take too much time to mill and construct, considering their experience and our available time. I’m thinking of the trade-offs between these different criteria. For example, I have a CNC on which I could dish out a curved seat. They’d be comfortable and attractive, but the fabricating the seats would add time.
I’ve got 4 different designs in mind, and would appreciate your thoughts on fabrication time/complexity, comfort and style.
1. Flat seat
2. Concave curved seat
3. Beveled seat slats
4. Narrow seat slats.
Thanks for your thoughts, everyone!
Replies
For comfort I like the narrow seat slats... that does make it less simple though. A heavy curve on the outside edges will make a big diff in comfort with any of the choices.
FYI to all; it seems the ads actually land inside a forum post, there are drawings from the OP down below the ads.
I've done a few of these group builds also, for the same reason: teach my neighbors (I live in cohousing) some DIY skills. I'd say the one with the slats is best suited. All the pieces are straightforward except the curved side pieces. That's just about right: beginners can use a bandsaw or hand-held jigsaw to cut that and learn how to sand or file to the line. Otherwise, the joinery for the legs and rails looks about the same for each design.
I'd go for #4, the Narrow Seat Slats. In the first two designs, 100% of the seat weight is carried by the apron joinery. In the 3rd and 4th, some of the seat weight is directly supported by the legs. Make sure you go with the apron design of the last two and I'd also increase the slat thickness.
The Morley bar stool is a beautiful design and a fun build.
https://thewoodwhispererguild.com/projects/morley-bar-stool/lessons/
Thanks everyone. Great advice! I like the saddle-type seat, like the Morley bar stool design, and I'd like to try it one day. I'm afraid that it'll take too much time for this group, though.
For the slat seat in #4, would you nail them from above? screws with plugs? or screw from below?
Screws from above, with or without plugs depending on if they are thick enough... no real access from below for the outer slats.
I assume you will relieve the upper edges of the seats, they look uncomfortable to me. Maybe with chamfers or a radius?
Here's a revision, with a back.
I can create a template for the curved back and another for the seat support, and they can shape it with a router and pattern bit.
For the seat slats, agree that it's easiest/strongest to screw/plug from above.
Are you very concerned that I'll have a flat slat attached to a curved seat support? The flat slat face won't mate tightly with the curved support.
All the seat edges would be eased over with a radius.
I appreciate all the feedback!
Drawing pictures is fine but you need to mock one up and see if it's actually comfortable before you commit.