TODDLER STEP / MOTHER'S HELPER STOOL

This stool allows children to interact, eat and cook with adults and older children at counter height. They love being part of the action and actually even love eating while standing and using the counter as their table. The overall height of the stool is 36", width is 15.5", it is 19.5" deep at the bottom and 12" deep at the top.

A three position platform will accomodate different children's height. Only ONE child at a time please and always use with adult supervision.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Supplied set of drawings: Figures 1-5

24" x 96" x 3/4" (5-7 ply) smooth 2 sides plywood. OPTION: Oak or other finished 2 sides wood Plywood.

1" diameter x 36" wood dowel. (You can also cut 4" x 14-3/8" pcs of plywood from leftover in lieu of wood dowel.)

Sandpaper: 80, 120, 150, and 220 grit.

#8 x 1-1/2" or 2" cabinet screws.

3/4" roll of wood edging; iron-on or glue-on (optional).

Nail-on Plastic Feet Floor Protectors

TOOLS REQUIRED:

Carpenter's square, T-Square, Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Tape-measure and pencil.

Drill (cord/cordless) with various drill bits and 1" spade drill.

Orbital Sander and sanding discs (80, 120, 150, 220 grits).

Router with 3/4" straight bit.

4 - 24" adjustable bar clamps with rubber pads.

#8 countersink bit for #8 wood screw. (1-1/2" or 2")

Saw-horses or other flat surface work area.

and a PENNY . . . . YES ! (1 cent piece) for drawing corners radii. You can also use a circle template.

DO NOT FORGET SAFETY GLASSES!

Transfer the components of the stool layout from Figure 1 onto the 24" x 96" x 3/4" piece of finished two-sides plywood. Using the "PENNY", draw the inside radii of the cutouts. Note that a circle template can be used.

Remember, "MEASURE TWICE AND THEN CUT ONCE."

Transfer the layout onto the plywood using CUT LAYOUT Figure 1. I used a Circular Saw to make the following cuts. DO NOT FORGET TO PUT ON SAFETY GLASSES!

a. Cut off the two 36" x 24" rectangular cuts. Next make the diagonal cuts. These are the sides of the stool. (D1 & D2).

b. Cut off the two steps "A" 12" x 14 3/4" and "B" 10 1/2" x 14".

c. Cut off the three (3) support pieces "C" 14" x 4"

d. Cut two (2) pieces "E" - 1" diameter dowel rod x 14 3/4" and 17" long.

You should now have nine (9) pieces ready for the next step.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO STARTING THIS PROJECT!

Make sure that you have the correct orientation of the sides before starting the cuts. (Insides facing each other.)

DRAW the cutouts as indicated on Figure 2 and Figure 3 onto the 24" x 36" plywood sides.

PUT ON YOUR SAFETY GLASSES!

a. Start out by drilling 3/4" holes at the inside corners of the cutouts. This will provide a starting point (hole) for your jigsaw blade. Remember that the penny was used to mark the radii so all you need to do is make straight cuts up to the drilled holes.

b. Using your jigsaw, using straight cuts, cut-out the four pieces out of each side.

c. Cut off the diagonal side using your circular saw, if not yet done.

d. Using your router with a 3/4" straight bit, route out six (6) slots 3/8" deep as shown on drawings. (3 on each side)

These are used to slide the adjustable platform into, once the project is completed.

OPTION TO PREPARATION : Place D1 and D2 with the insides facing each other. Clamp the two sides together. Mark all the cutouts as described above. Drill the corner holes for all the cutouts through the two clamped together sides. Next, use the jigsaw to saw through both sides at the same time. After all the cuts are made, unclamp the sides, mark and route out the six (6) 3/4" x 3/8" deep slots, (3 per side).

In this step, the stool will be fully assembled using the adjustable clamps. After the stool is assembled:

a. Mark the screw holes for a permanent assembly.

b. Pre-drill pilot holes using #8 countersink drill bit at the locations noted on Figure 2 and Figure 3.

c. Use #8 x 1 1/2"or 2" cabinet screws to assemble the stool.

d. NOTE: It is easier when you use 24" clamps to hold the sides together prior to screwing the parts together. (Except for adjustable shelf and safety dowel rod.)

a. Disassemble the stool. Make any necessary changes or modifications to individual components at this time.

b. Finish sanding the plywood components. Start with 150 grit and work up to 220 grit using the orbital sander as well as hand sanding as needed.

c. OPTION: If you want to cover the raw edges of the the plywood sides D-1 and D-2, you can use either an iron-on or glue-on 3/4" wood band material. If you decide on this, follow the instructions that is provided with the material. Allow at least 24 hours for the banding to adhere and cure properly. Sand the wood banding material flat with the edge of the plywood. This banding will stain or paint just like real wood.

a. Wipe off any dust residue with a tack cloth or a good microfibre cloth.

b. I have elected to use a stain-paint wood finish by MINWAX: Solid color wood finish-Blue. Two coats were required for my desired shade. I used a soft hair 2" brush to apply the stain-paint and a soft clothe to wipe off the excess.

c. Follow the Manufacturer's directions on the can for best results. Allow to dry overnight prior to proceeding.

d. Next I applied two (2) coats of MINWAX POLYCRYLIC: Water-based protective finish Clear Gloss. For this, I used a 2" sponge applicator brush. Once again follow the manufacturer's directions for best results.

e. Allow to dry at least 24 hours before final assembly of finished components.

f. NOTE: Check for runs and drips from stain or clear finish before they dry andwipe themoff immediately. Ifyou find any runs or drips after they dry, sand down the area and refinish as explained above.

Almost done . . . . .

a. Using Figure 5, step -a: assemble D-1, C (3 pieces), Dowel E-1 (permanent) and B: Using #8 x 1-1/2" or 2" cabinet screws.

b. Using Figure 5, step-b: Attach D-2 to completed assembly from "step a" using # 8 x 1-1/2" or 2' cabinet screws.

c. Slide "A" into the opposing grooves of D-1 and D-2. This is the adjustable step (3 levels).

d. Slide "E-2" is a removable dowel. This can be pemanently secured if you wish. It is easier for a child to get onto the adjustable step if it is removable. If it is permanently afixed, the child can get under the dowel and unto the step.

e. Last but not least nail the four (4) chair glides on the bottom of the stool to protect the floor.

WHEW. . . . . ALL DONE!

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

a. DO NOT leave a toddler/child unattended.

b. NOT to be used by more than one human at a time.

c. NOT to be used as a climbing stool for those other than Toddlers or children.

d. NOT to be used as a diving or jumping board.

e. This is NOT a ladder.

f. This is NOT a TOY

STAY SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR KIDS!

Thank you for your interest in this project.

The leftovers are for next time.

What will it be . . . . . ?!