Introduction: Wooden "Jean" Stool With Rotatable Top

By Freelance
About: Hi, I'm a freelance Industrial Designer based in Amsterdam, and I'm also studying a Master's program at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. Please visit my website for more info: www.kevinshek.com I'm a…

Introduction

Always wanted to make your own stool with demountable parts, without use of any glue? With this design, you can do it. The construction was inspired by an open source platform called Twistab. I redesigned the shape to my personal preference. However, you can modify my design into your unique stool.

Alright, let's start creating this stool:

Software needed

  1. Adobe Illustrator
  1. Rhino or Solidworks (3D Modeling software)

Tools needed

  1. CNC Mill machine
  2. Sand paper
  3. Hammer and Chisel

Amount of time needed

This depends on your 3D modelling skill, woodworking and CNC milling. For me, it took 1~2 days, including redesigning, 3D modelling, cnc milling and woodworking.

Dimensions and materials

  1. The height is around 46 cm and the diameter of the top is around 28 cm
  2. I used Plexwood, but you can also use Oak wood or Nutwood

Step 1: Step 1: Customize Your Design

Not interested in customization

If you like my design (Hopefully yes), then you can skip this step and go straight to step 2

Customize your design

It's up to you how to customize your design. I always start with a quick ideation sketch, so I can image what design I want to produce.

When you're done with your re-design, please download the Illustrator file to adjust the current stool into your design. And don't forget to add "bridges". This will help to keep your design steady while milling.

Tip: keep the rotation construction the same, otherwise your have to re-measure every construction detail.

After finishing your Illustrator file, please save as .DWG file and upload this to Rhino. Depending on the milling machine, Rhino files are suitable to read to mill. Please see step 3 as reference how you need to prepare your lines in Rhino.

Attachments

Step 2: Step 2: CNC Milling

Fablab

If you use your own CNC milling machine, then you probably know how to produce this design. If not, please go to the nearest Fablab or makerspace and they will help you to manufacturer your design.

In the attachment, I added a Rhino and Solidwork file, so you can send this to the Fablab or CNC machine operator.

Attachments

Step 3: Step 3: Finishing

Hammer and Chisel
After you're done with CNC milling, please use a hammer and chisel the cut "bridges" or making the service more smoother.

Sandpaper

Use sandpaper to make a more smoother surface. Begin with rough sandpaper (p60) and then more sandpaper (180).

Assembly
Place the foot parts together (see render image).