A Basic Stool. Your First Woodworking Project

How to make a step stool with only two tools. Save 50% or more on your SimpliSafe security system during their biggest sale of the year! Visit SimpliSafe.com/MakeSomething to learn more!
Get the plans for this easy to make step stool here: makesomething.com/product/ste...
Tools and Supplies (affiliate links)
Jigsaw: amzn.to/3F8QWRf
Jigsaw Blade: amzn.to/30fNa9Q
Drill (Get a much cheaper one!): amzn.to/3FaGjxv
Forstner Bit: amzn.to/3wFtx6Z
5/16" Brad Point Drill Bit: amzn.to/30gHj4t
Home Depot Poplar Board: thd.co/3wFe2Ms
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3Dd7uHd
Combination Square: amzn.to/3n9DFC7
Digital Angle Gauge: amzn.to/3CwtPPY
Wood File: amzn.to/3wCv5ig
Wood Glue: amzn.to/3CuzS7p
CA Glue: amzn.to/30bdxgZ
5/16" Dowel: thd.co/31LSEcY
Flush Trim Saw: amzn.to/3kwgSyo
Square: amzn.to/3DaRc1R
Planer: amzn.to/2swddVQ
Miter Saw: amzn.to/2FDslZw
Jointer: Jointer: amzn.to/2IJyRRh
CNC: www.stepcraft.us/m
Laser Cutter: glowforge.us/fycBT8
Table Saw: amzn.to/2E89suw
Drill Press: Drill Press: amzn.to/3xJX7Hk
Spindle Sander: amzn.to/3FdGpnR
Router: amzn.to/3zWG3R1
Router Lift: amzn.to/3zXDU7p
Bandsaw: amzn.to/2WwuhgH
Dowel Centers: amzn.to/3CckL1o
Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2aXutIU
Oil Finish: bit.ly/3AIDUbb
Patreon Support: / picciuto
Plans and Merch: makesomething.com
My Other KZbin Channel: / makesomething2
My Audio Podcast: makingitpodcast.com
Twitter: / drunkenwood
Instagram: / makesomethingtv
Facebook: / makesomethingtv

[@MakeSomething]

Save 50% or more on your SimpliSafe security system during their biggest sale of the year! Visit SimpliSafe.com/MakeSomething to learn more!

[@JonesNate]

10:16 -- Sand in the place where you live!

[@Geeksmithing]

What a great stool sample David.

[@MakeSomething]

I've had some good ones and some bad ones.

[@gregmize01]

😹😹😹😹

[@SirAngusSteele]

Some are harder than others.

[@t.j.postal8309]

You win.

[@jamesfreeburn5134]

This joke was a little corny, and overall stinky. I liked it 👍

[@craigbays9139]

Quick story if I may (scroll past if bored): I am married to a beautiful, amazing woman, who also came with a beautiful, amazing 9 year old daughter. Love this kid to death, but being a stepdad can be tricky when trying to find common interests. So I get up this morning before everyone, just hangin' out watching your latest video when Ali comes down the stairs and flops down on the couch. She got so into the video. Asking questions, making comments. After it was over I said, "You wanna watch something else?" She said, "More of this guy!" So we just spent the last two hours, just me and her binging a ton of your videos; her choosing each next one. I can't tell you how exciting it was that I found common ground with this little one I love so much and it came from your videos. Thank you for all that you do and the content and inspiration you provide. (P.S. Ali also said that she loves the music in your videos)

[@MakeSomething]

❤️ This just made my day! Thank you for sharing this with me!

[@itsdakun]

that’s the sweetest thing in the world! it took me about 22 years to find common ground with my stepfather…we never really got along, having grown up totally differently, him being a very “regular” person and me being very artistic and deeply analytical, but finally we’re starting to find some ways to interact that don’t piss each other off. i think moving out helped 😂 we’re finding common ground in being responsible and taking care of the needs of those around us, something we do individually for different people now. it’s weird to say it feels like he’s proud of me and for some reason i give a shit! i’m so happy for you that you were able to find something so early on with your stepdaughter! lean into it as much as you can. I wish i had this newfound friendship with my stepfather when I was 9. it would have saved me from a ton of difficulty living at home and mental health issues throughout my teens and early 20’s. maybe it’s time to go out and get a jigsaw ;)

[@darodes]

I’m really tired of seeing “make this super simple beginners only” projects made by people with a full shop full of elaborate machines. Thank you so much for demonstrating a basic project with ACTUALLY basic tools and tricks for people who might just be getting started… I’ve watched many of your videos and I appreciate your content.

[@louislandi938]

A pleasure to watch a beginner’s project that is honestly for beginners!

[@TheLunnyBear]

Hi David, just wanted to say one big reason I enjoyed this video was you seemed like you're in less of a rush in it. It's nice to see you chilled while you teach us. Thank you for your continued sharing of your knowledge.

[@gkkent]

I love this!! I appreciate the time you take to explain the what and the why! Makes me think about how our students could build their own stools and what components I could batch out for them while they're still making it their own.

[@WalterRiggs]

Hard to find a hardwood dealer around these parts. Count your blessings you have KenCraft

[@PsykoRok]

The way the beat of the music and leg being routed lined up is fantastic

[@aquirion]

i must say , your shop is really really looking amazing now. The colors , the panels, everything is now on point !

[@1middie]

This is a nice video. He doesn`t speed up the camera or play music while making the beginners stool. He is very informative and knows what he is doing. I enjoyed watching.

[@danielmuscatell3603]

David I love the colors in your shop, and the designs on your bench. And this project is genius!

[@joshuatharpe9397]

Great stool! There are so many was to make something simple really classy and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@pteddie6965]

Nice looking stools, David. Not being a Billionaire Woodworker, I like the first version. I love it when you make these simple woodworking projects. You are correct (as always). These stools will make an excellent Christmas gift. Every home needs a stool or two. Sometimes it's hard to reach that stuff on the top shelf that you are hiding from the kids (or from your spouse as the case may be)!

[@scottlward1]

The stools are great and demonstrate a great intro and intermediate/advanced level…BUT…I FREAKING LOVE THE SHOES!! The customized heels are fantastic!!

[@jaymzx0]

He needs a set of rings. *M A K E S O M E* Hmm I guess I should have thought that one out a bit more.

[@DailyFrankPeter]

Thanks for making this. It's not just for people who are starting out, but ones who don't have space for specialized tools or time to make it perfect.

[@vaelenorg]

As a beginner, this was super helpful for me. Thanks!

[@LeeOfBent]

Thanks for the video, really loved it! Especially loved the sync up of jointer/power tool noise and music rhythm.

[@mandytrosky1888]

Just started house shopping-I’ll definitely need some stools like this when setting up a new house!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Dave! Really well done! 😃 I'm definitely going to try it! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Polarzbek]

Now THAT's a Picciuto!! Great build David!

[@gregmize01]

Dang it David! Stop being so practical!😻

[@reforzar]

It’s a great scrap project too! Lookin sharp.

[@JiggsysShed]

Great demo and nice little stool. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevendietterle1771]

Everyone needs a step stool, good video.

[@debbiejenkinsjohnson5748]

Awesome lil project. U rock dude. Quik and to the point.

[@chrisunrath8343]

Both look awesome but the first one has a very classic "Shop" look to it, great video

[@SirAngusSteele]

David using ALL the fancy tools. Smacks the step into place with his hands.

[@washinthewind]

Something that I find interesting, which I think is often overlooked, is how many things you did the same way (or basically the same way) in both builds, regardless of which set of tools you were using.

[@Mzmasta]

Great video! Really liked the upbeat style, the music and all the popping colours ;)

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I may not be a beginner looking for my first woodworking project… but I still enjoy a good basic build. Always enjoy your videos. Everyone has to start somewhere. But I definitely enjoyed the “fancy tool” version. It was fun to watch.

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!

[@rachelbayne5466]

I think this was a really smart video to make. Good job.

[@bradley7487]

Brilliant project that would build one myself but I recently just got a lathe in my garage love playing with that

[@ChiefMoonChunks]

projects like these are great for veteran woodworkers too that might need some motivation and an excuse to get back in the shop. I know I run out of inspiration from time to time and need an easier project to get something in the 'win' column

[@PsykoRok]

This exactly. I'm in a season with no time available so I wander around in a circle for about 15 minutes to think of what I could do then leave with nothing.

[@tomt9543]

I’m late to the party here, but you’re spot on! It’s good to push your comfort level, but from a 63 year olds viewpoint, I find that constantly raising the bar has actually pushed me away from my woodshop! When we let a hobby get to the point that it antagonizes us, it’s time to reevaluate! There’s a lot to be said for simple, straightforward projects, and this project is a shining example of one!

[@GaryStewart2020]

Yes! Build montage! Great instructional video too, but I love me a good wood montage.

[@DrunkInPublic]

Godddamnt i love this mans videos

[@filamphibian2980]

"Hello!" Fantastic video!

[@OttoJuJu]

"basic stool" is my new go-to insult. 😁

[@MakeSomething]

hahahaha!!!

[@paulmannix1760]

Thanks for the video. Fantastic insight to basic techniques with basic tools with beginners like me in mind. Loved the weight idea as I’m a bit short in the clamp department. I’m going to give the stool a go just using pine, think maybe doing the top insert using my router. Thanks again.

[@davidmeyer9204]

Thanks David!

[@chrisman6746]

I see what you did there with the sneakers…. Love it.

[@legrandeileen4863]

beautiful, must try it , thanks

[@jbratt]

Eighth grade shop class, first project was a step stool made all with hand tools. Shop teacher only had hard ass yellow pine. It was a beast to make with dull tools. It came out pretty good and I’m looking at it in the living room right now.

[@MakeSomething]

That is awesome!!

[@JohnMadeit]

A friend has started a maker hub where she runs workshops for all sorts crafts and she asked me to run a beginning wood working workshop. One of the projects we thought to do was for a stool. So this video gave me lots of inspiration on what to do during the workshop.

[@MakeSomething]

Oh nice!

[@Budietoyka]

It shows exactly how little you need to get started! Heck, you could probably even borrow some of those tools from your friends or family.

[@hamonthecob]

I adore the fact you have a Lionel Richie picture on your wall. He's my all-time favorite.

[@BradRussellisAwesome]

Really feeling the new track that starts with the “complex” build at 13:20. 😎

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!!

[@DjSatsok13]

Great project for beginners....

[@silentscribes]

Great Work!

[@SxmTech101]

Like this simple way complex way

[@daphlavor]

Nice work David, my pop still has the stool I made in 7th grade, One thing would add is to use contrasting color dowels, I like the appearance. Thanks

[@Tinkerman2]

Nice one, thank you 👍

[@JonathanRansom]

Love it when you use your billions of dollars in tools and get creative! Next level stool.

[@MakeSomething]

😁

[@chrisbrannan3784]

@@MakeSomething and Jim beam as a finish. Geez, what are you drinking on a Friday night?! Seriously though, are you just using that bottle because it's easier to pour from or is that some kind of homemade oil? That walnut stool is beautiful!

[@Mhakeman]

Absolutely love this. “Before we reinforce these weak ass joints.” I always look forward to your videos

[@AaronGeller]

You’re in my home city?! I’m visiting tomorrow - I didn’t know this place existed there. Good to know. Long live the Glass City (I’m from the Old West End)

[@shopcatt643]

Love them NIKE MAKES

[@kz.irudimen]

I have many more tools than those 2 but I'm glad I watched the video, I could have used that jigsaw+digital angle gauge "trick" just today .. it seems so obvious now ahah. Thanks :)

[@Andrew-rv1xq]

Awesome Possum.

[@JCSchaefer82]

Great variety of stool samples. Awesome video and don't forget to fire up the jacuzzi.

[@MakeSomething]

#theGoodLife

[@bdlii]

That was cool!

[@mako160962]

Great stuff.. thanks.

[@corpsman97]

Awesome. Music even better...

[@realpdm]

I liked the switch to wide screen Christopher Nolan action when things got serious and the hard hitting music kicked in!

[@MakeSomething]

ha! Thanks!

[@ronedge3086]

I still have a similar stool I made in high school over 20 years ago.

[@andrewpbclarke]

Love a bit of Jim Beam oil

[@dandavis5832]

Thanks for not forgetting us po' fokes Dave! Great job.

[@MakeSomething]

Haha!!! 😎

[@SeanFoushee]

Great info but man those colors are amazing.

[@morriskuria6595]

Cool David like that

[@oldmanpottering]

Nice project and well explained as always ! Not being a billionaire woodworker I will have to do this on a sunny day as I am still saving up for a roof on my house 😅

[@weldeadlobes86]

You're only like an hr and a half north of me. I'm down here in Van Wert! Now I know where to go to get decent wood finally!

[@dawnbuteau6140]

If I could do it ALL over again, I would go to school to learn how to be a woodworker. One of the few female one’s. Ty for for teaching us some of your skills. 😊

[@dougcross8609]

"Your local hardwood dealer." One could wish.

[@MakeSomething]

are you near a big city?

[@patrickschardt7724]

Thanks for showing a project that can be done with almost no power tools I don’t have anything except a drill. So this project could be done a coping saw I would imagine

[@13daniel1974]

2 main tools...5 tools total... That second stool was pretty fantastic.

[@terristroh3965]

Aside from a great project and video, I’m really enjoying the new (?) music.

[@MakeSomething]

Thank you!!!

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Awesome!

[@dv8ug]

Mine isn't straight, it's a little wobbly, it turned out to be more expensive than the ready-made one from Walmart, but I'm still very happy! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@justinsherriff6185]

I was hoping version 2 was going to be the USE ALL the tools in the shop project. 12 if I counted right. Missing domino and track saw so close. It was a great video 👍

[@mrklean0292]

I was expecting the domino also 😄

[@jiphulsman274]

if only 2021 dave was there for 2012 me would have saved so much headaches haha

[@RaymesMendes.marcenaria]

Good job 👍👏👏👏🇧🇷

[@carlosclaros7147]

I really like your videos and I have purchased some of your books. I like how you used “entry” level tools as a comparison. I was wondering how you can rate the amount of weight the stools can support?

[@johnnyalarcon2868]

Gracias

[@markmccaw4401]

I like your shirt!

[@lbleskacek]

“Before we reenforce those weak-ass joints” 😂😂

[@richarnaud7794]

the music is bad ass!

[@iasonas1284]

yesterday i made a monitor riser stand and a mini garden door with a dirt cheap jigsaw and a drill from just pallets. (yes i know just scrap pallets... i stain them :p )

[@cportage556]

Another great video Dave. Just a thought...what if some shots of you on stage happened to fall into a project video? Or some shots of you in the studio making the music everyone hears. Or you, on stage leaning into the mike screaming "sand in the place where you live!" Anyway, you have inspired me to make something.

[@canedobrazil3209]

Like from Brazil

[@michaelrobinson4677]

Great project, but what angle did you cut inside support? Same 10 degrees as bottom ? Thanks

[@dillondavis9615]

What if we don’t have a flush trim saw bc I have the wood I got pine but I went and bought the 5/16 dowel

[@clayvansickle1]

As a millionaire woodworker, I feel left out. 😀. I dig the new shop colors!

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

David,what’s up with the psycadelic colored shop? I liked your old one it was cool! Tnx

[@sgsax]

Have fun and obsess about the fancy details later. Thanks, I'm already doing that without the Billionaire Tools. I'm a little disappointed you didn't break out the Festool jigsaw in the 2nd half, just to go with the theme. Fun project, broken down expertly so anyone could do it, no matter what tools they might have. As a fellow Midwesterner, I appreciate the t-shirt, too. Thanks for sharing!

[@MakeSomething]

I think it's funny that you know I have a festool jigsaw! Thanks Seth, always appreciate the kind words!

[@sgsax]

@@MakeSomething Dude, I'll take that drill press over any other Billionaire tool. I drool every time I see it. 😁 Cheers!

[@jimward9829]

What eas in the Jim Beam bottle?

[@lopaka76]

I like that you emphasized 2 power tools. I hate it when someone says, "You can make this with just 3 tools" and proceed to used about 10. Nice easy project.

[@mermaidmagic8740]

If I wanted to make my bench 3 inches taller, would that change the angle of the cut on the support beam?

[@hamiltonpianos]

Very nice! My workshop is closer to the second build (a small Birch ply CNC router was my lockdown project last year, and is soon to be upgraded with Aluminium uprights, faster spindle, and a second pair of linear rails on the Y-axis, amongst other things). Just one question; I was wondering why you didn't cut the handle on the CNC while it was set up for the texturing operation at 14:20? Liked the laser cut inserts; I'm experimenting with laser inlays at the moment... :)

[@MakeSomething]

Thanks! Honestly I thought it would make for a better video to use the drill press than the CNC. Just to give it a bit more variety.

[@DaniMakes]

Shoes saying make under the Nike logo. nice.

[@kazolar]

Liked the simple one...seemed to be quicker actually with fewer steps. The one with the fancy tools, soon as I saw it on the CNC, was wondering why not do the cutout on the cnc as well, why then move it to the drill press and then use the jigsaw -- have the CNC do the hand hole -- and just clean up with the sander. Not a fan of the grooves, messes with my OCD, non-uniform.