Parachute Cord is WAY MORE FUN than imagined!

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This week I’m working on a set of triangular nesting stools with Paracord woven seats. These will be used as extra seating for the Elevator Table. It’s my first time weaving and it was way easier than expected. I learned the weave from Ed Hammond’s video “How to Weave a Triangle Shaped Rush Seat” • How to Weave A Triangl...
Table Saw Lathe Jig Plans: www.almfab.com/plans/round-ta...
Thanks Rockler for supporting my channel! Rockler products used in video
Rockler Precision Miter Gauge www.rockler.com/rockler-preci...
Rockler Miter Gauge Fence System www.rockler.com/rockler-miter...
Rockler Bandy Clamps www.rockler.com/rockler-bandy...
Rockler Silicon Glue Brushes www.rockler.com/shop?w=silico...
Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-l...
Additional Tools and materials used in this build. Affiliate links help support my channel. Thanks!
Hand Shims amzn.to/3NDz6eo
Ryobi Battery Powered Hot Glue Gun amzn.to/3NwNrcB
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Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Set amzn.to/3IQjNLO
Japanese Pull Saw amzn.to/3uIGSeb
Rubio Monocoat Pure Hard Wax Oil Finish amzn.to/3JYQ4Se
Parachute cord used in build (250ft per stool)
Yellow amzn.to/3uJaTe6
Pink amzn.to/373AVAi
White amzn.to/38iIQdU
Black amzn.to/3Lvzutr
Bright Red amzn.to/36Fjx5p
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Table Saw Blades I use (affiliate links)
Note because I have a 3 hp saw I use “ industrial” 1/8” kerf blades. If you have a lower power saw you'll want to use "Thin Kerf" Blades.
Favorite all around table saw Blade
Industrial amzn.to/3J6oRwT
Cutting splines, crosscutting, and general usage | Freud 10” x 50T Combo Blade
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Ripping and milling | 10” x 30T Glue Line Ripping Blade
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[@paulheitkemper1559]

Cool design. As a sailor, I have a pro tip for you. Instead of using the scratch awl, you need a "fid." Get a pair of knitting needles. Cut them off about 6 inches from the pointed end (at an angle) and deburr the cut. You push the fid through where you want it to go, and stick the end of the cord in the hollow angled end of the needle. Some people even use a tap in the end to create threads to screw the paracord into the fid so it won't fall out. To do that, you'd need to choose the correct size needle. Plenty of examples on youtube. Cheers!

[@TheBottegaChannel]

Good point Paul. Though if your going to use any form of maritine pokery-jiggery device ( fid, marline spike, or sail pricker) or paracord needle, I recommend Jig Pro Sho or Bored Paracord's brands of knotting tools. You can order a marline spike with 3 different gauges of paracord needles in them.

[@Vikingwerk]

You can make your own quick and dirty paracord needle out of a long Chicago screw, by cutting the head off and filing it to a point, the chicago screw has those internal threads, so you can screw it onto the cord.

[@joebonomono5078]

My brother is a sailor and carries an all stainless sailors knife with a nice fold out fid built into it, its a great knife, very handy, and affordable.

[@paulheitkemper1559]

@@joebonomono5078 that's not a fid, but a similar tool called a marlinespike. So many terms in sailing. So much jargon.

[@joebonomono5078]

@@paulheitkemper1559 I appreciate knowing this, I'll be sure a wager my brother on this. Thank you for a free meal Sir.

[@aidanweltner7894]

This design as bar stools with warm leather cord would be such a phenomenal centerpiece to a kitchen or bar. I love the woven top and the hexagon-to-circular legs. I’m definitely curious how the tension of that cord will hold up over time. Nice work!

[@LiaTanith]

Leather stretch though.

[@TobiasJStrand]

My thought too. I'm a mor accomplished leatherworker than woodworker so the top won't be a problem but the woodpart .... Leather "strings" will stretch but wovwen straps with a stitch line along the sides or a fabric backing would work.

[@AtelierQube]

This looks even better now that I’ve seen the video! Really nice work on the stools and editing! Can’t wait to make videos half as good as yours 😉

[@jewdd1989]

I’m sold! Love love the idea of leather and these as a kitchen stool

[@zyanidwarfare5634]

The only big downside to these stools is the time it takes to make them, it takes a lot longer to wind all that cordage around to make the seat than it does to make the seat from wood or anything else

[@boozytheclown]

here's a challenge for you. design a modern take on the 70's hanging chair, make the skeleton out of walnut, and weave the support structure so it's comfortable.

[@DelinquentBehavior]

When I was a kid we had this fantastic folding chair that had a back and seat that was made of woven cotton cord. I very literally wore that thing out and I was heart broken when my mom tossed it instead of letting me figure out how to rewrap it. It was really big, not like a standard folding chair. I could comfortably sit crosslegged in it or curl up a bit sideways and read. But you could then fold it up on a standard scissors fold and stick it behind a door. I'd love to see something like that again. And plans so I could recreate it myself!

[@EitriBrokkr]

Start drawing plans....

[@Telerian3]

Totally, All projects start with ideas, then followed up by plans, then Prototype, just like he described.

[@cucumberwhale]

I really love that fact that you use miniature models to feel out the designs - compared to the convenience of CAD I feel like it's somewhat of an old school technique but honestly no 3D simulation is comparable to just feeling out the materials in real life. So cool that you do it!

[@DMLand]

Beautiful 21st century design with a Mid-Century Modern flair. The legs that transition gracefully from round to hex are a triumph.

[@brands248]

I can't get over how good the hot pink looks with the walnut. Would've never guessed it

[@bradleyholcombe6114]

I use old stuff to make new things. I had tons of scrap paracord and a 16" bike rim that I turned into a dream catcher for a friend of mine. I pulled all the paracord center cord out to make a really small strand. Over 300 feet I'm guessing. And 32 points instead of the usual 8. She loved it and offered to pay me. But I simply said, "you don't pay for a gift. You pay for something you want or need. A gift is not always those." She laughed and cried. Miss her every day. Next week I'll be making a shop stool out of the old fence that we replaced a couple days ago.

[@saml9036]

As a textile artist who watches a lot of woodworking KZbin, I’ve been hoping to see you and Emily collaborate in some piece that mixes textile and wood ever since watching those videos of you making Emily’s work station. I think mixed media is a lot of fun, so this was a real treat to watch. Other ideas that come to my mind is, like, weaving the paracord on cabinet doors or drawer fronts, or maybe like a macrame suspended in a wooden frame, or like extra large cross stitch details. There’s so many possibilities. I also noticed the scale stools in the background of the last video on the shelf, so seeing the thumbnail of the full scales on this video made it even more exciting lol Fantastic work as always. Very inspiring.

[@geolisadrag-racing2349]

Hi SamL, Her name is Ashley, I had to check B4 leaving my comment Lol, Anyhow, I have a question for U. I need to add something that will "breathe" I guess, to some furniture projects. I've used metal grills, brass or aluminum, in the past. However, I have been considering some king of textile solution. An open weave fabric (like a speaker fabric), in a frame. Or something that I would weave, or purchase from someone who does that work, in panel form. I am hoping to get the utility of the needed airflow with more visual appeal than I get from stamped grills. Can you recommend any YT channels where I might find some inspiration? I have medical limitations & am homebound for long periods, so I watch a massive amount of KZbin Premium. Mostly carpentry, WW or computer tech. SO, I don't get many art channels recommended in my feed, except for maybe digital art tutorials. I would welcome your advice, as a textile artist. You see, If I do a broad search for 'textile art' and weed through all the results, I risk confusing to the almighty YT algorithm, Lol. & I like that it knows what I like, since during challenging health episodes I may only feel up to hitting play once. Lol. If U have channel or playlist recommendations? I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks~🛠Lisa♿

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

It doesn’t even have patterned plywood on it, it’s like we don’t even know you any more. 🤣😂🤣 Wow man, those are cool. That’s a lot of work in that weave.

[@mikeskiba4725]

FINALLY! That underwater basket-weaving class I took in uni is gonna pay off!

[@leifhietala8074]

I know this vid has been out for nearly a year but here's a tip I learned when I was making a woven top footstool in Boy Scouts: trim up some cardboard pieces to tuck between the layers of woven cord. It has the effect of adding padding to the top, while also giving a degree of mutual support between all the strands so that the seat feels like a more cohesive unit. As you get past the 50% mark you can see where you can tuck cardboard in so it'll stay put and you can weave around it.

[@johannacatsburg4466]

You’re like the MacGyver of woodworking. Solutions whenever needed and your projects never fail. Love it!

[@TheCharleseye]

Honestly, as someone who has and loves his lathe, that sled looks great. Repeating legs can be a pain. That jig is a great idea

[@laurendao4467]

I was pretty sad about you rounding off the stool legs until I figured out they were tapered and you’d still have the hex at the top. Really cool. I love the solid color stools just as much as the two- and three-toned stools. Another stellar design!

[@bswtsp21]

Lathe replacement is genius.

[@barongerhardt]

Best April stools day video of the year.

[@Ryan50Ryan]

10:40 That jig is sick. I never would have thought of something like that.

[@divalea]

That test piece would make a great stand for a rock specimen or a sculpture.

[@davidmckenzie5]

Michael, your jig to make dowels on the table saw is gold. I bought your plans and made 28 - 1" white oak dowels for a white oak bed I just completed. The choice of saw blade definitely makes a difference on how much sanding is needed to get the dowel smooth. Your stools are great! Now you need to design one with a back rest. Cheers!

[@yunglynda1326]

these are such a vibe!!! more funky colorful stuff plz!!

[@rick31869]

i too am a para-cord junkie , i use para-cord for many things and outside also in the garden . i have been using the same para-cord outside for different stuff for about 6 years now , it is weather proof , it is unaffected by the blazing scorching sun , rain , wind , so being heat and cold tolerant is a big plus , its the only rope i ever used so far that is basically in-destructible !!! all others have failed in one or two years of service ! . for a few years i had been hanging on to a couple of really nice heavy duty folding chairs ,they were just frames , i didnt want to put the original plastic tubing back on them because it doesnt last , i wished i had seen this awesome video before i threw them away last year ! just think , i could have had a pair of folding chairs that would have lasted a life time !!! thank you both for this incredible video , the hard work and time really paid off in the end !!!

[@InservioLetum]

The actual paracord doesn't come on stage until 20mins in. A warm-up... carpenter? Love that chairleg levelling trick, that I will absolutely be using in future!

[@JesseHires]

I have to admit the "handwoven" part of your title caught my attention, and I did find that really interesting, but the Jig for rounding the legs as well as the joinery both made me say "wow! that's pretty cool!"

[@VanessaPipiripingo]

Love this design, the legs are so beautiful. I like the transition from hexagonal to circular. The red one is my favourite, the colour itself, the different tones and the pattern Ashley made, it's gorgeous!!

[@lindysmith13]

maybe weave some kind of plant hanger or plant stand - something that could incorporate your plywood hex design somehow. or even book shelves with a woven element. the possibilities are endless! great job

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

Project idea: Large snow shoe [complete with woven webbing], set up as a coffee table with a glass sheet to cover the web and make the table top. Use the same legs as the tri-stools.

[@fwhelan794]

Yep Ashley’s are the best 👍🏼 us fiber artists have to stick together !

[@dawn5227]

I think these are probably my favourite of anything I've seen made. Ild love to see more. Taller bar stools. Chairs, foot rest/stool etc.

[@nightmaremermaidanimations5649]

I think it's really cool that you made your own lathe that's genius

[@kida4star]

A woven room divider would be so awesome!

[@bloodthirsty1330]

Paracord woven hammock would be pretty wicked

[@orinblank2056]

One of my favorite paracord things are the tree nets made by TreeNet Willy's. Essentially, they run some climbing rope around a group of trees, with some notched 2x2s between the rope and tree to protect the bark. Once they have the outline made, they run paracord across, looping and twisting it at random areas to make a web-like design. I saw one at a music festival, and it could easily hold over 10 people on it, and was surprisingly comfortable. It had enough give to make it comfortable to lay on. but it was still strong enough to walk across. The only real downside to it is the price. If you get it done through the company, then it can easily get absurdly expensive. Long-term installations start at $5000 for smaller nets, but there is a $10,000 minimum to make an order, and they can easily get far more expensive. I really want to make one myself someday though. My mom has a part of her yard with a small grove of trees, where she usually hangs her hammocks, but it's the perfect size for a treenet. If you do it on your own, it's a lot cheaper. All you need is a couple hundred feet of climbing rope, several thousand feet of paracord, and some metal o-rings for climbing, to add stability to the net. All in all, the resources would be fairly cheap, only a few hundred bucks. The hard part would be the trial and error of getting it right and stable, but that's honestly where the fin is at anyways. Plus you can use UV reactive paracord so that it will glow in black light, and if you make it yourself, you can do your own designs too. For anybody else who may be interested in making one, the site is just treenetwillys.com and they have a great gallery of the nets, so you can get a good idea of how to make one yourself

[@shadowrunner2323]

That table saw lathe is very clever! very satisfying to watch too!

[@geolisadrag-racing2349]

2:10 nice stool samples!😆 I can't wait to see you and Ashley's big stools.😂 Once U R done... making🤣

[@triciac.5078]

So many awesome things in this video. First, TRIANGLES! I love triangle anything, bowls, seats, tables, purses (well, it's a pyramid, but still). I just love the shape. And then the weaving! I also crochet and knit, and I know what you mean about the meditative-ness of the work. Also, the turning of the legs, that was an awesome workaround. Just loved that. These look great! Can't wait to see what you do next with weaving.

[@kjkaratejason]

Hexagons are the bestagons

[@XxIcedecknightxX]

As a kid I would just sit in front of the TV watching anime and braiding lanyards and paracord for hours. I have a 40 foot long braid from when I was a kid as the braiding was very meditating. I'd like to try this but a different style later as I do quite a bit of woodworking now as an adult.

[@shays7815]

That is the most stunning stools I have ever seen.

[@brianknowles7130]

Great build. Enjoy your honesty with any mistakes, shows that you human ..lol thks

[@InFlamedParlysis88]

The taper of the legs is the best part. Btw, It's deff worth getting a paracord needle for tight weaves. 'Weavers of Eternity' channel has lots of ideas for paracord weaves & techniques. The Conquistador weave took me forever....

[@davidberrien9711]

Really liked your "lathe" jig. Those legs look awesome.

[@nicstroud]

I preferred the hexagonal legs but your Heath Robinson lathe is fucking awesome. 😆

[@darkone9572]

Hemostats work great for paracord work !! Easy to tighten, tie/untie, weave or whatever !!

[@roberttanguay8532]

A buddy of mine was a "Bosn" in the navy for 30yrs and he could weave a rope and tie knots like nobody's business. He made a gorgeous set of outdoor patio furniture just from weaving the seats and backs of all the chairs as well as a love seat from Paracord. Why not try something like that using red cedar

[@TSherrod22]

If you enjoyed wrapping that cord, you would love putting Kumiko together. It’s like doing a puzzle that you also designed and built. And it would make for a good video. Mike Farrington has a few good videos for reference.

[@ktkrogstad]

My mind was blown by that lathe idea at 9:40 - 11:00! So smart! And does the angle so perfectly! 🤯🤯🤯

[@eldestmillennial3136]

The walnut and weave makes me think of a rocking chair. I don't know why.

[@rebeccadrerup]

Woven rocking chair as a project with modern twist

[@syn4057]

That tuning jig is ingenious!

[@MFunkibut]

Summer's comin! Maybe a backyard Adirondack chair with woven paracord seats instead of slats?

[@oliverbrunt1]

These are so cool! The aesthetic is incredible - especially next to the 3 eye tiger!!

[@Stephen7475]

3 legged stools are the best because they never wobble on uneven floors. You did an excellent job!

[@PK-jh6bg]

Your video reminded me of my MIL who is a weaver. She loves Hex Weaving- which is also called tr-axial weaving. You should look into it because you seem to keep going back to hexes in many of your patterns, and you can generate a hex versus a triangle. Lots of other comments were in here about drawer fronts etc, but you could easily blend it into some of your other work (even with your patterned ply if you choose).

[@satibel]

tip: you can get 15 sheets of 165 arrow stickers (2475 total) for 10 bucks (i.e. 0.4c per) it helps a lot to mark what goes where, and not sticking well is a good thing cause you can remove it and just use a dab of acetone on a cotton cloth and it leaves no residue. same way, you can use colored letter sheets at around the same price to mark what goes where for more complicated pieces. (or get single color of the whole alphabet. or those vhs labelling sheets.)

[@neilscole]

Your craftwork is what make your channel one of my favourites to watch.

[@AsanariaMason]

I crochet myself. At the end when you were explaining about it being difficult to get the cord through and used some kind of awl to help, I thought to myself that it would make so much more sense to use a crochet hook to pull the cord through

[@Postfrogish]

If you're going to do more weaves with paracord, I can recommend using a needle made specifically for this purpose. Look up "fid needle". I'm sure someone has already mentioned this, but couldn't find a comment at first glance

[@jeddadiahemanuel1975]

Not my knot not my problem 😂 cool project and great video as usual. Thanks man🤙🪚🤙

[@sfed_bro]

This is how REAL perfectionist behaves irl

[@sixthdimensionmusic]

Hexagons just are the bestagons!

[@billbucktube]

Like it! Invest in a fid. Some of them come with a “needle” that you screw the paracord into to be able to push it through tight spots.

[@elisabethreeves1786]

THANK YOU for showing how you designed/constructed the jig. It helped me understand what you were doing so much better than just holding it up after it's done. I'm sure that filming something that you're not sure is right ad that you're figuring out as you go is a lot of extra work so I wanted you to know that one person at least appreciated it. :)

[@TheFool616]

For some reason the sped up sound of your miter saw reminds me of Owen Wilson's "wow"... Anyone who reads this you're welcome for leaving this in your brain for the rest of eternity 😅

[@MichaelAlm]

Hahahah! Wooooooow 😂

[@andyiliff7793]

As always I love your design sense. These stools are awesome! I really like the weaving technique. Also, I really like how you discuss your process and use the modeling process to get the concept down. You show your whole process and it is inspiring! Thank you!

[@wolfrickelly5148]

Alright I just have to say the way that you rounded the legs actually blew my mind. That is freaking cool!!!

[@romanfaktorovich1852]

Can't imagine less comfortable chair to sit :)

[@nixhixx]

You would make BEAUTIFUL inkle / tablet weaving looms, to be sure!

[@susiewheeler8197]

I macramed a stool #7629 Plaid- Liz Miller, Larry & Linda James It was easy and very sturdy.The second furniture fanfare is the book.

[@timknight68]

Macramé room dividers! ... and GO!

[@kurtisracine7099]

In the marine corps when we would wrap thing with 550 cord at the end we would dip it in or pour boiling water over the cord. The heat causes the cord to shrink and get much tighter. Over time if used heavily it might stretch.

[@geef0813]

Love the stools. As a full time dog trainer I loved the ending!!

[@t0mn8r35]

Nice project and good editing. Love the little doggie!

[@provaporfagotti291]

I'm loving the retro vibe of the stools and the different part of the house!

[@jupamoers]

Turning the wood like this is very creative^^ I like it

[@Apostate_ofmind]

the black and the red one are def my fave

[@jonathanp___________3606]

I really like the natural finishes you use in your projects, and the natural feel of a woven stool is great too.

[@mollyzeidler5494]

New viewer here! came for the weaving, stayed for the woodwork

[@HusniAmir]

Love your videos - I appreciate the candour and honesty you put in them, as opposed to editing out the mistakes.

[@axachll526]

I'm sooooo impressed by the lathe jig😮

[@markjust86]

I really like the multicoloured ones!

[@kevincasey2947]

Totally cool! I really like the notched stretcher lock tenon. There's a caning book on the shelves at Woodcrafter's in Georgetown that I've been Jonesing for a long time. Former Prez Jimmy Carter used to make country chairs with woven cane seats and there actually is a really cool video on it somewhere. I was thinking a pointy end shuttle cock for a cord wrap might be easier to weave with then an H wrap. Just a thought.

[@ashleyosborne6239]

Wow, what cool info about Former President Carter! Have to try and find that video (we have a lot of ties to Habitat for Humanity as my husband was their IT Dir for several years and my son volunteered starting in high school) Thx for sharing.

[@kevincasey2947]

@@ashleyosborne6239 I honestly don't remember where I saw that video unfortunately. I searched all over KZbin with multiple search varieties but could not find it. I tend to watch a lot of woodworking vids and its possible it was one of those, or a human interest show or something. If I ever do find it, I'll share a link to it here.

[@kevincasey2947]

I have never been able to find the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter chair making video despite multiple searches. This fascinating video is very close, with the exception of the woven chair seat not being cane but strip hickory; kzbin.info/www/bejne/moO3i6mKbdl3ers

[@DominicNJ73]

@@kevincasey2947 Try searching using the video tab at the top of the Google search page. Just search your terms like normal but use the video tab instead of the All tab.

[@connyandersson2820]

Keep up the good work, keep the movies coming. BTW I like your hat. Conny from Sweden

[@griffinjacobs91]

It would be amazing to see a woven picnic basket with a pattern plywood frame!!!

[@griffinjacobs91]

Or maybe a homemade cot.

[@josh_watson]

You have a little outdoor space where you built that shed right? How about two outdoor lounge chairs, or a small swing that's woven so you both can enjoy beautiful Spring weather? Another awesome build. Cheers!

[@captainsnowflakegames952]

I just had this idea from the intro. you should try making custom dice (patterned ply???), and a dice tower to match them!

[@joebonomono5078]

I do a lot of modeling using index cards and glue. Cut off two lines and that's a scale piece of plywood.

[@fiercegirldesign1]

Love the stools. And your dog! 💕

[@mutanttepig4759]

Y'know while it's still in my head I'd like to say a potential idea I have for a table that can be raised. And that is by having it be raised by kicking it, or more accurately a piece of the side of the table that keeps it locked in the down position. Of course it would have to reset manually, but I think it's a cool idea for a design.

[@fredhag]

I don't know if they still do this at Boy Scout summer camps, but Basketweaving (now Basketry) merit badge required making a basket and a seat. They sold chair kits with pre-cut wood and paracord that looked like these. The kits were nice, but I considered them a cheap way to earn the badge (versus using tree limbs and reeds from a lakeshore). One could argue basketry, itself, is an affront to the concept of going out into the woods for a week.

[@kruimell83]

You wanted more ideas. Maybe a string art room divider?

[@ats1075]

IDEA, try making a nice wood framed hammock and weave it with thick end rope to create the sides.

[@georgehugo561]

Genius table saw lathe!!!!

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Hecka cool! So glad I clicked on this one.

[@williamfeeney9216]

If you do more you should buy a fid for the center, it's a needle you screw the end of the paracord into

[@helookalikaman79]

you could use a Crochet Hook Latch Wood Handle for the center of the weave

[@FrauWNiemand]

I like your design idea. You asked for more ideas on weaving and I remembered the old video by "Advoko MAKES" about using "yarn" made out of old plastic bottles, you maybe could experiment with this material and make a chair with this material.

[@bolland83]

Awesome design on the stools! I re-did the mesh seat on my office chair with a weave. I used 1/2" nylon mule tape (similar to ratchet strap material) and it turned out nicer than it was when the chair was new. You can get it in a variety of colors, and also different widths. I highly recommend looking into it for future projects, it's good stuff, super strong and easy to work with. Also handy stuff if you ever need to pull wire through conduit.

[@nyshanelson2252]

As always you took a simple idea and added your unique Alm-ness for an amazing result. I can't wait to see how you merge the weaving and patterned plywood.... Thanks for great content and inspiration!

[@AllanSoman]

I do paracord items the KZbin I watch for inspiration is weavers of entirety just so you can have other patterns or weaves