This is a real viking stool. We have many archaeological findings of this kind of stool. Lots of sizes and shapes, even some with a hole in the seat probably used as a toilet seat.The common characteristics of the stools is the D shape and the 3 legs. Two in the corners of the straight side and the 3rd leg in the middle of the round side. This stool is some places refereed to as the Lund Stool because one particularly intact seat was found in Lund.

To my knowledge we have no complete findings only the seat is found. So we need a interpretation of the legs of the stool. When we have no evidence of the shape of the legs this is my interpretation. The legs can have been turned on a pole lathe but I have no evidence of that.
Because we have so many findings of D stools we also have many kinds of woods used. I will say that it is okay to use any kind of hardwood and still call it authentic. For this stool I use black Cherry, I really like this beautiful wood.

Step 1: Tools Needed

To make this stool I will use all tools that I have to my disposal. I have made some of this stool using only the "real" viking tools but for this instructable I will make it easy for me... and you if you want to make one also.

The Tools I used.
Pull saw
Jigsaw
club
chisel
axe
spokeshaves
Forstner drill
drill Press
pencil or scripe

Step 2: Cutting the Wood

As I stated in the first step we have so many different findings of the D stool so you are free to make your stool the size that suits your need. If you are not sure about the size you want make a template in paper first or just do like me write on the wood until you get the size you want. Your are going to plan the wood later anyway so it is no problems in scribing direct on the wood.

Step 3: Drilling and Planning

When marking for the legs I first draw a line down the center of the seat, then I make a mark around 10cm from the straight front side. Then I draw a line from the corner to that mark.
Then I set a mark 5-6 cm from the edge on all 3 lines. That will place all the legs nicely the same length from the edge.

To get the right angle on the legs I strap a piece of scrapwood to the table of the drill press. The seat will lean on the edge of the scarpwood and the table giving all 3 legs the same angle.

Step 4: Fitting the Legs to the Seat

Now comes the hard part, getting the legs to fit the holes in the seat, we want a tight fit, but if it is to tight and we force the legs in the hole the seat will split and crack.
Go slow and be careful not to take of to much wood at a time, if you do that the leg will be loose. And when you dry fit the leg to the hole don't force it in with a hammer or club. If you can't push it in by hand it is to tight and you need to remove a little more wood from the leg.
Don't remove any wood from the seat only work on the leg.

Step 5: Securing the Legs and Cutting Them in Lenght

To make sure the legs don't fall out I will put in a wedge. I use the same kind of wood for the wedge in this stool. But you can use some darker or lighter wood to bring out a contrast for a different look. I sometimes use ebony wedges on a birch stool, that gives a good contrast. Just remember that if you want the stool to be a real copy of a viking stool the ebony is no go.

Step 6:

When the legs is cut into length the stool is finished and ready. I gives the stool a coat of linseed oil to protect the wood. The linseedoil will darken the wood a little over time. If you don't want the darkening you can use beeswax or mineral oil.