Not Just A Step Stool

[@lessilies2048]

Great job! Very interesting design. I believe the mistake you implied at 3:48 is that the spline that joins the two legs should have been made with the grain running the opposite direction. As is it would be easier to fail under stress. Then again you built it for a 5 pound dog and not likely to happen.

[@SawyerDesign]

Yep! You got it! I actually cracked one of the splines on dry fit when torquing that join above and below w/clamps. Ended up breaking the other apart and reassembling with dominos and epoxy for its end grain adhesion attributes.

[@joebaker5421]

Love it. I think because this was an extension of the bed video, it was more than appropriate to do a video on it. It highlights that there are more design considerations than what may be initially addressed in a project. And how it is designed to match and that you didn’t take a simple and boring route says a lot about you.

[@steverochon1620]

Nick, I discovered your channel from a recommendation from Blacktail Studio, and this is a really good find! Both your woodworking and your vids are the highest of quality, so, as a woodworker who's self-taught, you've earned a folder on my desktop. Only Blacktail and Mike Farrington have earned that right. As for simple or complex projects as topics, I benefit from both and find them each to be a great watch. Thanks for sharing your effort!

[@craigtanner6916]

Beautiful work! Love the colouring of the wood with the finish!

[@rusburns1714]

Really like the relaxed commentary style. Big or small, KZbin needs more build videos. I can watch this all day over instructional videos.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Rus! I figure those who know what’s going on can see it, no need to say it too. Those who don’t know what’s going on probably won’t understand me explain it either lol glad you’re liking the style 🤙

[@A_Hobby_Homesteader]

Have a mix of crazy and simple designs for both advanced and intermediate wood workers! Love you work

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you! Agreed variety is what it’s all about

[@brettgl21]

I have never seen the steel wool and vinegar before. Cool!

[@emlovesthebeatles]

That's how you know a doggo is loved! Not only given full permission to hop onto the bed, given a custom matching step stool for easier access to said bed too!

[@jeff2663]

I like all the videos. It can be complex builds or simple. I enjoy watching how other wood works layout projects. Keep the videos coming.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Jeff! Definitely will

[@geckoassassin1]

I can't count how many creator's I've watched but I can count how many times I've been wowed. Two times, this buld and the bed. You do great work, thanks for the content

[@SawyerDesign]

Awesome thanks so much David!

[@ethanrobertson8921]

Yo! You’re killing it man. Videos just keep getting better. I like a mix of complex and easy builds so keep all the videos coming.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Ethan! It’s starting to get easier to make these and I’ll definitely keep making them. Appreciate it man!

[@smithe53]

I don't so much care if the projects are simple or complex. You build it, I'll watch. Keep up the good work :)

[@SawyerDesign]

Awesome! Thanks Evan!

[@granjmy]

Same here.

[@leonidasrosales9315]

i really enjoy the way you give life to your ideas you come up with. and, regarding mistakes, don’t worry , it happens….even DaVinci, you’ ve heard of him i’m sure, had a pile of scraps from mistakes and failures.

[@jasonm.7358]

I’m with the one dude up there^^ Simple or complex, I’m happy to watch ‘em.

[@atticus_ink9487]

I absolutely love it! I started a furniture-making course in September and I would love to use this design as one of my school projects. I’ve become hooked on your videos and love everything you make!

[@randywright7933]

Wow you really did that justice. Gorgeous choice in wood too. Please keep bringing whatever you choose to share. Absolutely stellar

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Randy!

[@Cellottia]

I love the shape of this piece; and you've used wonderful wood with a classic finish that makes the wood absolutely *luscious*! I think I'd spend more time stroking and admiring the grain and depth of shimmer in the wood than I would stroking and petting the dog!

[@muckinfunday]

Just discovered your channel last week. You have some mad skills, man!! Love how you think so far outside the box!

[@jessenazel7736]

Mr.Sawyer, you are a true inspiration!!! I love all the projects you come up with!!! Keep up the great work and thank you!

[@Keith.SharkShots]

Hi. Just subscribed after watching your collaboration with Blacktail Studio. Just some truly amazing craftsmanship!

[@FlightCrewCustom]

Love your work, design sense, and overall production value. Excited to watch your channel absolutely explode. the hockey stick curve is comin! 🤙🏼

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Morgan! Looking forward to the climb

[@DDL2728]

That is an incredible step stool!!! You are truly gifted!! This is the first of your videos I've seen. I subscribed & will be watching more. Wow!!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Dianne!

[@JohnColgan.]

Great design & build, love your use of brushing on french polish as deal coat before button coat then spray. I've tried it couple of times but thick waxy residue took lots of cleaning to salvage brush!

[@SawyerDesign]

Are you using dewaxed flakes?

[@JohnColgan.]

No, very waxy, purchased a premixed bottle

[@SawyerDesign]

Ahhh yeah definitely try the de waxed flakes and grain/denatured alcohol. So nice to work with

[@scottb.2022]

Like how you were able to compliment the bed design. Nicely done.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Scott! It was a fun little challenge to come up with quickly, but think the end result turned out pretty stylin’

[@johnhubbard6262]

Yeah, I'm a service and repair General Contractor so I don't know about all those fancy words you used cept for moisture. So I will just say that is frigging gorgeous, can't stop looking at it.

[@jdh3777]

My God that's stunning. Just starting in woodworking but I know beauty when I see it.

[@granjmy]

I would love to see a photo gallery of your finished projects!

[@tntcox100]

Man , you make some beautiful products. Love the grain and the fact his matches the bed perfectly. Awesome work again. 👍

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks again!

[@jenneferelie2292]

Pretty sure those are the coolest dog stairs ever made!

[@ps603]

Looks like you put the same care into a small project, that you do a large. That is why you do great work.

[@djdishwasher]

What a great idea, might make a step stool for my dogs as well some day. Absolutely beautiful project

[@markquinlan3595]

Love all your work but am very grateful for a good mix of approachable builds as my and our skills improve. Gotta learn to walk before the track meet starts. Have some extra boards and this project will get them used and a step stool is needed here in Bend big time by the way. As always, thank you so much for the time and effort you put into putting out such outstanding content. Please keep helping us here on YT to build on and improve our skills. Great making and God Bless.

[@jennlizzy2019]

It is stunning. I enjoy the tension of lines crossing lines at unexpected angles. Also, I have only known two other people beside myself use the word chatoyant before; 5 stars on vocab sir.

[@9catlover]

hope owner puts some grip on leg bottoms so doggie doesn't slide if there are wooden floors. stunningly done on the fly

[@DanCanning]

The nearest I can get to a possible error is the cross grain of the lose tenon. It MAY have possibly been better running in the other direction but it's an angled joint in any case so I'm not sure that is what you meant. Stunning design in any case.

[@ness-ee]

Down the wood yards in London Sapele and African Mahogany are the same thing. Variegated.

[@michaelm9871]

Really enjoying your builds. You seem to have a unique style that is different from what many of the other youtube woodworkers are doing!

[@SawyerDesign]

Awesome, thank you! Trying to find my own groove.

[@rhodaramirez5458]

Love the mid-century design - it is both clean as well as interesting.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Rhoda

[@montanaboom1]

Keep on keepin' on . . . you do good stuffs!

[@tomlagatol4448]

I enjoyed the video... To answer your question, I think I would have hidden the spline that is exposed on the front face of the steps.... Keep up the good work!

[@richs5422]

Sweet design & vid. The other option would have been to leave the spline longer after making that joint and continue it through the third piece. Very cool.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Just wow! Maybe your other subscribers are far more advanced than I am. This is an amazing build. I subscribed, this is definitely next level stuff for me.

[@chriszen4128]

Stunning again. LMAO...your simple is another persons advanced!! I really enjoy how you do you drawings before the project.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Chris! Always good to put pen to paper at the beginning of a build

[@Richard.Dawson]

Who wouldn't want to go through a lot of extra rubbing out? I can't see there being any problems unless there isn't enough lubrication applied before.

[@jadam-2024]

New to the channel, enjoying it greatly as an amateur woodworker. I’m sure this info is out there on paper but I’d love to hear an opinion on what you feel the different “cuts” of shellac help bring out or do for you on various projects. I want to learn how to better layer my finishes and I know shellac can be a very useful player in that. Thanks for the effort and content!

[@SawyerDesign]

Hey Joshua. Good question. Heavier cuts carry less solvent in the solute, so they dry more quickly and build faster. A heavier 2lb-4lb cut are good to seal, but will build too heavily, leaving a thick plastic-looking film (more like varnish). Because they dry more quickly, streaks are more likely and sheen is harder to control. Light cuts produce a much more satin and even finish given that there’s more control over the application and many coats means errors are likely covered by the next (less likely to be heavy in the same spot twice.)

[@christophergallagher8120]

I don’t mind smaller projects. Nice to see some excellent projects that aren’t river tables.

[@stevenarnold46]

6:37 What is to tune playing here? You said, "might be broken." I can't find it.

[@russbodner1183]

I notice there are pegs on the foot stool but didn’t see when you put those in?

[@chrisstearns10]

Stunning!!! Wow!!! Didn't know what you did wrong in glue up🤔 The grain looks so good I can stare at it for hours it does look like fire, and alive!!!! Another awesome and amazing project. Keep up the great work. The video editing, narration, lighting, is all awesome also!!! You have lots of talent my friend, keep it up😁👍👍👍👍👍don't think of me as a brown noiser, credit where its do.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Chris! Grain orientation was in the weak direction. Came back with dominos to reinforce the join 👍

[@chrisstearns10]

@@SawyerDesign Thank you for the lesson my friend 😁 as per your what types of videos should you make?...I would say whatever you want to do, big and small, easy and hard. You are a great designer and can probably keep wowing people with the complexity you build into your projects. I personally like narration more than not, but if you want to do some silent videos go for it. All the little helpful tricks that everyone puts out there help so much in expanding even seasond veterans of the craft. Can't wait to see what you make next😁

[@SawyerDesign]

Definitely getting more comfortable with the voiceover and I think it helps add detail where some might get lost. I’ll definitely keep sharing and glad you’re enjoying the channel. Couldn’t agree more on the power of the creative community

[@latenightwoodworker3283]

Yes I love the contrast!

[@windsanluispotosi]

Nice combination to the bed. I like the idea of the three parts coming together a 45-90 degree joint. However (and there is alwaya a "however"): I would have veneered the top edge with a 2mm mahagony strip. With the roundover the joint, which still show in your stool, would have disappered. Otherwise, as I said: combines to the bed elegantly.

[@granjmy]

LOLOL!!! Shellac...I was thinking about puppies' wee....you were thinking about an entirely different moisture source. LOLOL!!! New sub, came here from Blacktail Studios videos.

[@CustomCutsByChris]

Dude, your geometry has my head spinning!! But seriously though, this was very cool. Great work.

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Great video!! What kind of spray gun are you using?

[@Stillnapie]

Great execution!! Well thought out design... Nice time piece BTW.

[@PolySammo]

I think because you do such different types of projects, anything you do is interesting

[@Kcustom216]

I wish there was a light in the Domino alignment window.

[@boryscholewinski4370]

Error you were talking about. Is it that the spline shows? Well depends how you sell it. If you say it's how you intended it to look than that's fine. If you point it out as a flaw it could be seen as one.

[@SawyerDesign]

That part was intended.

[@jlmfoy365]

Great design and beautifully put together, was wondering what you reckon the weight limit of the steps would be . Regards Jim UK.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Jim! Held me just fine w/o any deflection and I’m about 200lbs (14 st.) I think the issue with this construction is that over time, it’s relying on solely glue to hold it together and there’s no mechanical advantage in the joinery. Could wiggle loose over time. For it’s purpose, should outlast the next few dogs

[@MCsCreations]

Damn... Dude, I'm a stupid... 🙄 I should've made something like that for my cat when she was old and sick (she had kidney disease)... 😔 She always slept with me in my bed, but then she started to look for places in the ground to sleep. But I didn't think about it. 😕 Anyway... Beautiful work! Really nicely done! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@SawyerDesign]

Oh man! Super sad. I’m definitely one that sleeps with our pets too. Thank you!

[@juancarlosdeabreudanobrega]

Buenísimo video. Excelente idea. Espectacular diseño. Bravo. Felicidades. Lo volviste hacer. Abrazos y muchas bendiciones. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💯👍

[@chm1701]

Really nice, Nick. Your edits are getting really slick too. Oh, and the dramatic reconstruction of their puppy jumping on the bed was superb 😂

[@SawyerDesign]

hahaha thanks Chris. Starting to get the hang of it!

[@gregmislick1117]

I like the design, the asymmetry of the steps are great. I'm guessing that the error is that the spline was cut off too short and doesn't extend through the front leg ... or... the spline wasn't cut blind so that it DOES extend out and show on the front. Either way coudl have worked, I think that leaving extra meat on the spline and having it show through the front leg would have made the simple floating tenon joint look like it was much more complex inside where you can't see and left the viewer "wondering". The step cross supports work well. They add another dimension and definitely make the entire piece look like it's much more complex than just a simple step stool. I like the complex builds - my goal is to be able to make those builds look as effortless as you do, so keep them coming, while at the same time these more approachable "beginner" builds are great. Either way I'm waiting for your next amazing build. Do you ever do anything off the cuff to use up the scraps, or are they just waste??

[@SawyerDesign]

The grain orientation was wrong on the spline. I think with some more planning, could have made that 3-way much cooler, but it needed to get out the door. I usually make shop furniture with my scraps. Haven’t had much time to build myself anything, but hopefully will be able to schedule in some time for that soon now that business is starting to go more smoothly.

[@gregmislick1117]

@@SawyerDesign I saw the grain, thought perhaps because it was opposing the legs that it would still be fine, but you're right, you're not worried about the legs spitting, but the joint separating ... I suppose that, in theory, you've created a stress problem by gluing the leg to opposing grain resulting in the inability for it to move there - the taper and shape of the leg probably alleviate that though. I expect that it will hold together for years regardless I still love it.

[@glennsiegel60]

I like it. I've only been watching you for a few days, I haven't seen you put a makers mark on yet.

[@SawyerDesign]

I have one, I’ll have to remember to brand the next build for ya!

[@jeff2663]

How would you build this differently if you wanted to make it for an adult?

[@danlynch1154]

Great design. I also enjoy the colors.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Dan!

[@joshuajae5164]

What is that orange liquid you used to stain that black wood?

[@SawyerDesign]

Shellac 👍

[@kengilgen6069]

Love the asymmetry!!

[@taylormedia1000]

The wood contrast is a true Eye Catcher and defines the piece. Comment? Even if it serves no functionality, I would like to see the spline continued from an aesthetic perspective.

[@gavinclayton9552]

How long are you leaving your ebonizing solution ferment for before use and do you know if the longer you leave it does it produce a blacker colour wood? I’ve been fermenting mine for 5-7 days before use but was wondering if longer would make a difference to the ebonizing or is it totally dependant on the tannins in the wood.

[@SawyerDesign]

According to a chemistry teacher, stoichiometry shows that the rxn is complete with an overnight soak. Sooner if you add heat (I usually double boil in a crock pot for a couple hrs as the oxidation seems to reduce efficacy.

[@gavinclayton9552]

@@SawyerDesign really..... overnight. Wow I thought it would take longer than that. But I will take your word for it. Weren’t you like a rocket scientist in your former life? 🤣

[@SawyerDesign]

Lol just a biologist. The dude who told me that actually is a chemistry prof so I think it’s solid info.

[@gavinclayton9552]

@@SawyerDesign that sounds solid info then. Lol

[@atekjac]

Great design and execution!

[@wheetman]

Been enjoying your builds. Glad to see a simple one and would love to raid your off cut bin!

[@SawyerDesign]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! Most of my cutoffs go to a local cutting board maker

[@justinvellier6220]

Where can I learn more about this ebonizing? That was really really cool.

[@SawyerDesign]

It’s a great trick to have up your sleeve. www.popularwoodworking.com/finishing/ebonizing_wood/

[@justinvellier6220]

Im curious to know what other woods it will work well on. Ill be doing some testing here soon for sure.

[@SawyerDesign]

Works well on all high tanin species. Oak, walnut, sapele are my favorites. Doesn’t work great on ash, beech, maple unless you add some tannins to the solution via bark dust

[@justinvellier6220]

Thats what i was reading in the article you sent. Deffinatly a cool trick.

[@patrickdukeshire3562]

Wow!! I love the stairs, awesome!!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Patrick!

[@mannycorrea1707]

Steel wool and vinegar does what to the wood I injoyed the video, but if you can explain the steel wool and vinegar, thank you .

[@SawyerDesign]

Creates iron acetate that reacts with the tannins (polyphenolic biomolecules-astringents in the wood) turning them black. It’s chemical ebonizing.

[@jelmo1057]

Very nice, beautifully designed and crafted.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you!

[@m.d.d.3051]

Great build. Better than the build, though, is I think you solved/inspired a fix for a design problem I've had with a cantilevered console table design idea I've been working on for longer than I want to admit.

[@SawyerDesign]

Hey Awesome! Haha we all have one of those in the shop 😂

[@RazsterTW]

What do you do with all your scraps in the trash bin?

[@SawyerDesign]

I have a cutting board guy that uses most of my scraps

[@zephyr1408]

Nick use the same formula but add Quebacho bark and it turns solid black ! I mean black but shows all the grain! DM me if you want a pic and the formula

[@roscocsa]

Those might be the prettiest raw pieces of wood I’ve ever seen.

[@garylatture8948]

Look good great job matching the grain

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ludwigbarnes3058]

Keep the vids coming. You have a great style!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Ludwig!

[@tomowens2720]

Now that I've seen the "way I want to create" content of your channel I'll watch anything you post.

[@ing.juanpabloavila2128]

Hi. Can you tell me the name of the wood?? I miss it on the video, i think you didn't mention it. You did a very good job. Thank you for your help

[@SawyerDesign]

Oh sorry haha it’s the simplest things I forget. That’s sapele

[@JoshIbbotson]

It's beautiful! I don't love the biscuit joint stuff though, it feels like a mass produced cop out thing to me personally, but I get how it reduces the price with ease of manufacture but yeah

[@nighttruck70]

I'm on the hunt for a precision miter gauge. How do you like yours and who makes it?

[@SawyerDesign]

Mines by Harvey and I like it a lot after putting an hdpe runner on the underside of the fence. Would definitely recommend. Heard great things about the Incra miter5000 too if you’re looking to spend some money

[@nighttruck70]

@@SawyerDesign thanks for the reply. BTW... I recently found your channel and your definitely one of my favorite channels. Keep up the good work and I'll tell my local woodworking group to check you out.

[@deanbarill3182]

My puppy should be so lucky.❤

[@denisblack5689]

i wonder, how much did it cost?

[@SawyerDesign]

It was part of the bed. Can't remember how it broke down, but all together, something less than $3k

[@EricRoy85]

Please don't change your style. I love the more in depth builds you've been doing, but adding in an easy one here and there would be great in my opinion. Either way, I look forward to seeing a new video pop up. 👍

[@SawyerDesign]

Nothing wrong with a little variety. Thanks man! I’ll keep doing the same

[@mikebirnie6381]

Loved video...and music...and finished doggy stool... Could you please let me know the music title...

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Mike! The intro song is ‘Drops of Rain’ by Cody high

[@carldavis6902]

I love all your work.

[@davidreilly4225]

Another great project! I like all of your videos. So whether they are easy or complex, narrated or ASMR, I will watch them. And likely thoroughly enjoy them. One thing I would suggest though... an occasional f-bomb goes a long way in my book. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha thanks man. I too appreciate the occasional f-bomb. YT sent me a long list of swear words and how they affect my reach. If that weren’t the case, I’d leave them all in 😂

[@casperboejensen3303]

Loving everything about this build!

[@robertberger8642]

Looks great! Since someone will eventually try to use it as a step tool, probably would have been better to make it stronger.

[@MrShmugan]

Love the angles. Complimenting the bed frame nicely. Do you hand plane your stock once you’ve machined planed and thicknessed? Or does machining create a smooth enough finish? As always thanks for great content. I’d be interested to see your rough plans before starting a project. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you “wing” it mostly. Thanks!

[@SawyerDesign]

Those were my plans I worked from at the beginning. My larger projects are pretty similar w/a few cad drawings. I usually hand plane all my smaller parts. It’s typically a lot faster than sanding through the grits and produces a better sheen. I never finish a surface straight off the machine.

[@MrShmugan]

@@SawyerDesign thanks for the insight!

[@alanblasczyk1779]

So cool. It fits so well.

[@daveyJ213]

Hey, Nick! At 4:02, "what's wrong with this picture"? Only thing I saw was that you did not apply any clamping pressure across the face or thickness of the boards. The red clamp would have pulled the tip of the joint apart because the pressure points were below the lower part or the V of the joint, which would have acted as a fulcrum to separate the joint. That's all I saw. Otherwise, excellent work as usual. You call this a simple design? What was that tool you used to cut the holes for the oblong pegs. I like that better than pocket hole screws, which are more suited for beginners such as myself. Also found it interesting that you stained and applied finishes before actual assembly. Is that generally a better way to go? Glue cleans up easier? Thanks for posting.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks David! The spline grain orientation was incorrect. I almost always prefinish, especially with shellac as it's difficult/impossible to apply into corners. Also, glue doesn't stick to finish.

[@daveyJ213]

@@SawyerDesign Ha! Missed that totally. I'm still learning about grain direction. I've noticed it matters when using your hand plane.

[@markramsell454]

Sure it looks good, and the style matches, but was the dog happy?

[@josephgodleski6910]

I like the design and execution. I think the client will appreciate it as well as its what they commissioned you for. However in my experience, dogs don't like open back stair cases.

[@SawyerDesign]

I was a little worried about that too. I’ve never seen a dog that small lol hopefully form and function come together on this. If not, I told them I’ve got some ideas (like cleats) if she doesn’t want to climb it.

[@josephgodleski6910]

@@SawyerDesign I only know this because I have an absolutely fearless springer spaniel that will literally run through briars, bogs, or anything else for that matter in search of birds. We went on vacation to the outer banks where everything is built on stilts for flood reason. the stairs leading to the front door were open risers and she wouldn't even approach them. I had to carry her up them every time. She would run down them with no problem? I guess it's an out of sight out of mind thing? Keep up the good work!

[@SawyerDesign]

Yeah mine freak out over grates and at the open stairs at the beach too. My heeler can climb ladders though so maybe just takes a little training and adjustment

[@mattelias721]

Great design, not sure I'd call what you noted as a mistake. I am curious about the dowels you used but didn't show. On your 'simple vs. crazy complex' comment: I watch cooking shows with my wife, and the 'simple' dishes chefs select are often screwed up because they highlight the most basic techniques. I'd offer that woodworking is - or can be - analogous.

[@SawyerDesign]

Good point. The grain direction on the spline was incorrect and split. The pins on the inside were to keep moving while glue dried, but ended up being useless since the spline split (while dry fitting) I used dominos to correct the error and glued the join back together with epoxy. Better end-grain adhesion.

[@mattelias721]

@@SawyerDesign Roger. The mark of a good woodworker, I'm told, is the ability to fix his/her mistakes. Looks like you're doing fine. I spent all day correcting a mistake or two of my own today. Keep up the meticulous work.

[@rongoldberg8174]

Dude, what planet are you on. Brilliant.

[@normolson1]

You are very talented mate, thank you

[@SawyerDesign]

Much appreciated Norm! My pleasure