How to Make a Period Stool
By Steingrim Einarsson (Mike Mohilo)

These plans are loosely based on the ‘Lund’ Viking Stool plans by Stephen Francis Wyley. This design has been adapted to suit larger people more comfortably.

Tools Needed:

Materials Needed:

Directions

Step 1: Measure and mark a 24” length of the 2x12 board, or if you prefer, sit on one end of the board and mark off a length according to your butt size. Then saw off the board where you marked it.

Step 2: Mark points 3” from the edges at each corner of the board.  

Step 3: If you wish to have rounded corners, mark a curved line at each corner, either with a compass or by using a piece of string, a pushpin, and a pencil as shown. Then saw off the corners with either a coping saw or power jigsaw.

Step 4: Drill 1” holes centered at each point marked in step 2 at the angles shown below. Be sure to take a little extra time with this step to insure that the holes are correctly oriented. Mistakes made here can not easily be fixed.

Drilling large holes at a 10º angle can be tricky. The easiest way is to use a drill press with an adjustable baseplate.
Alternately you could try making some sort of jig or wooden block to help guide the drill.

Step 5: Measure the 1 ½” wooden dowel into four lengths of 18” and saw them at 10º angles. Be sure to saw off the flat end of the dowel at an angle as well.

Step 6: Around one end of each dowel, mark a line 1 ½” from the end, following the angle as shown. Then, using a coping saw or other small hand saw, cut a notch ¼“ deep around the dowel where you marked. Take care not to cut any deeper than ¼“.

Step 7: Using a mallet and wood chisel, chip the ends of the dowels down to a 1” diameter as shown. Be careful not to make it too small to fit tightly in the holes drilled into the seat of the stool. Before chiseling, be sure to firmly clamp the dowel in a vise. Use some scrap leather or wood to protect the dowel from being indented by the vise.

Step 8: Saw a notch in the end of each dowel about 1/8” wide and about ¾” deep. Then apply a thin layer of glue and tap with a mallet into the holes in the seat.

Step 9: Set the stool upright and hammer thin wooden wedges (chips leftover from step 7 are useful) into the notches to tighten and secure the joint.

Step 10: Sand the stool smooth and apply linseed oil or other finish.

You're done!

Here are photos of our well-loved and well-used stools.  These are very sturdy stools, made to withstand regular camp use by large (i.e. weighty) folks.  They also come in very handy as makeshift tables during mealtime and also as small craft tables.  Highly recommended as a project for your own encampment!

This page contents copyright Mike Mohilo.

Email to:  Ravenstead Household

Back to main page...

The Ravenstead household is dedicated to studying the arts and sciences of the Norse culture during the “Viking Era” (700-1066 AD) and re-enacting the lifestyle of that era in our encampments.