Giant 555 Footstool

Since the creation of integrated circuits, there has not been any circuit more useful, more iconic, than the 555 timer created by Hans R. Camenzind. This simple circuit named after it's 3 parallel 5k ohm resistors, has enabled engineers and hobbyist alike to build simple and complex circuits since 1971.

To commemorate 45 years of simplifying circuit design, I wanted to build something that embodied my geeky electronic side while getting me out to the shop to get my hands dirty.

This instructable will show how to laminate 24 sheets of MDF to create a 45:1 scale model 555 footstool.

This stool was not inspired by Evil Mad Scientist. They bullied me into claiming that this was their idea at the time of publication. We each came up with the idea individually using similar, but different techniques

This design was made by reverse-engineering a physical 555 timer IC then building it in Soldiworks at the larger size. It was then edited and sliced into 3/4 inch thick slices.

I have included all drawings in downloadable PDF form as well jpeg copies in this and other steps.

The included PDF copy of the stencil is also necessary for the detailed painting of the part number in later steps.

Materials Needed:

• 3/4 MDF or Plywood
• 3/8 Threaded Rod
• Wood Glue
• Bondo/Wood Filler
• Primer
• Spray Paint (Black, Grey Primer, Clear Coat)

Tools Needed:

• Jig Saw/Band Saw
• Belt Sander
• Drill
• Router
• Craft Knife

Cut 12 copies of the body. I cut the body from blanks that measured 10 1/4 inches x 6 1/2 inches. This will form the middle portions of the IC.

Cut out the four sections of legs that will touch the ground. I cut mine from blanks that measured 16 7/16 inches x 11 1/6 inches Cut the first then use that as a template for the others.

Cut six copies of the half leg portions. These will sit next to the legs that touch the ground to widen the leg. I cut mine from blanks that measure 15 7/16 inches by 7 3/4 inches.

Cut two more shapes that match the twelve middle portions. Using a hand plane, shape the ends.

Clamp sections together and mark where to cut the shorter leg portions.

I attempted to keep everything lined up as much as possible by taking extra care with creating registration marks across the top and making exact measurements for interior holes and using one middle section as a template for all the others. In the end, it didn't seem to matter as I was still off. Don't sweat this step too much as you will be able to fix all the irregularities later by removing the highs and filling in the lows.

Test it out. Put everything on the threaded rod and make sure that it fits nicely.

Cover everything in glue. Learn from my mistake, lay something down so you don't need to clean up large amounts of glue. Clamp everything together. Wait for everything to dry thoroughly.

Glue the last four portions on the ends.

I ended up buying a belt sander for this project alone. A regular orbital sander will take forever depending on how much material needs to be removed.

Glue the remaining ends on, and sand everything smooth.

Remove the remaining unwanted material between the legs with a chisel and mallet.

Mark a semi-circle on one end with a diameter of 2 1/2 inches. Using a router, freehand the notch 1/2 inch deep.

Use a holesaw, cut out a hole deep enough for the washer and nut. I wrapped the drill bit on the hole saw with painters tape to make it the same size of the hole.

Using a chisel, remove the unwanted material. Cut the threaded rod to length.

Using a large paint stir stick as a putty knife, apply the Bondo. I probably applied five or six layers of Bondo sanding between each layer. Any irregularities here will show in the final painted product.

I used this shellac primer because it seals up the MDF very nicely. Apply many many coats of primer as anything not covered will allow the black paint to soak into the MDF.

Print the PDF template on card stock and cut out the letters. Save the inside portions of the 8 and P.

Cover the top of the stool with painters tape. Place the stencil on the top of the stool and tape in place. Using a pencil draw the letters onto the painters tape.

Remove the letters with an craft knife.

Cover the rest of the stool to protect it from paint. Do a first coat of black paint. This will seal the edges of the paint. And if anything was going to seep under the paint, it will be the black paint that will seep. Wait till the first coat is dry, then paint a light coat of grey primer. I didn't want a heavy sold coat as most ICs I've see have more of a speckled print of the letters than solidly printed. Remove tape.

Using the same techniques as the previous step, tape the legs and paint.

Do any touch up needed. I used a toothpick to fill in any irregularities in painting.

Cover with clear coat to protect your new stool.

There are so many different directions that this can be taken in! There have been many great projects in the past that have been inspired by the 555 timer. Some can be found here on instructables, and others around the internet.

What furniture can you make inspired by this or other components?