DIY Garage Stool

[KwikFab]

Haven't posted in awhile, especially my own thread so thought I'd start one for the hell of it.

Been tired of my HF chair on account that it's too tall for the welding table, so it normally sits at my laptop. However, having people over means I normally have to stand so I need a second chair.

Keep getting those stupid Vyper ads pop up, and being that they're +$700 screams like a big FU to regular dudes like me. So figured I'd just make my own like most other people do.

Takes but 5 minutes to draw up, not sure why I never bothered before





Since I want this thing to be sturdy for my fatass (all 163lbs), I opted to use 3/16" I had laying around.

Here are the legs all cut out.



And the template I'll use to line everything up - 5 legs, so 72 degrees each.



To add to the whole "I don't know what the hell I'm doing" bit, I wanted to take it a step further and wrap the seat myself. So I got myself some 16sq. ft. of top grain leather.

Don't really need all that much, the rest is just in case I **** up.



To go with the premium leather requires a premium seat so I went with Foam Online's Qualux at 2.75" thick.





Since I'm no wood worker, I bartered with a buddy on another forum to cut me out the wood top for the seat.

Here she is all cut out with the edges softened before sealing it up.



And just before shipping out, should be here in a few days.



I do want this thing to be sturdy, but it also needs to be comfortable so I decided to look online for some sort of backrest and that's when I picked this thing up off a 2013 Softail.

Problem is, the damn bolts were freaking seized like a MFer.



The ten picture limit has me continuing onto the next post...

 

[KwikFab]

So I did manage to get all the bolts off, however on of the nuts inside the seat had torn off so this backrest will have to be a temporary setup.



Now, my garage is pretty small so I don't plan to be wheeling around all too far but I wanted to make sure I could easily roll over **** like a ziptie or whatnot.

That's where these bad boys come in. I didn't know they had zerk fittings until they arrived!



To keep to a simple but clean looking design, I thought I'd hide the stems with some smaller tube.





Which will get bolted with acorn nuts.



And lastly, the most important part of the puzzle, the acme screw which the seat will sit on.

I know that having bought the 24" length (1" diameter) would be a bit overkill, but I had actually cut out two different leg pieces with different dimensions to get me the seat height I wanted.



The goal here is for a seat height between 24" to 30". The current chair has a minimum height of 29" so I needed something much lower than that.

With just about everything in hand, I started on getting things together already.

 

[KwikFab]

Started with the legs, and welding the small tubes at the end.







After which it was time to weld up the legs to the center tube, so onto more prep.



The template in action.



Tacking the bottom, and the corners on just one side of each leg.



Work smarter not harder.



Already about 1/3 of the way done so far now that the tubes and the legs are all welded up.



All that's left is to grind down the nuts for the acme screw, and weld them inside each end of the tube followed by cutting the acme screw to my desired length. So far I've measured to cutting down the screw to 18".

I'll follow up on this thread in the next few days as I wait for the wood top and some t-nuts arrive.

Happy to say though that all casters touch evenly. Can't wait to get her done!



Oh and for anyone wondering, this is what I made my buddy for the wood top piece. It's a 13" sign out of 16 gauge cold rolled steel for a friend of his since I made him one just last year.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Wow, badass! That jig is really clever. You should sell the CNC cut pieces as a DIY kit. Looking forward to the end product.

 

[sqznby]

That looks awesome! Nicely done and I agree with Bigblue, heck I'd buy a couple.

 

[KwikFab]

Wow, badass! That jig is really clever. You should sell the CNC cut pieces as a DIY kit. Looking forward to the end product.

That looks awesome! Nicely done and I agree with Bigblue, heck I'd buy a couple.

Appreciate the kind words!

Although it'd get expensive for both parties seeing as how I'm using 3/16"!

I still need to cut out a metal base for the seat (between 8" to 12") along with a footrest and some tabs for the legs.

 

[Jagmandave]

Fantastic work, what do you think you'll have in it parts wise once it's done? Are you going to paint or powdercoat the base?

 

[sqznby]

Appreciate the kind words!

Although it'd get expensive for both parties seeing as how I'm using 3/16"!

I still need to cut out a metal base for the seat (between 8" to 12") along with a footrest and some tabs for the legs.

Any time, it's some really nice work you've done there.
Well, if you're ever planning on cutting some new ones, I'd even be happy with a couple of sets of legs and the little fixture ring. I have everything else. This would be a great project for a couple kids that I know who are interested in welding. And if they don't want to, it would be fun for me to

 

[KwikFab]

Any time, it's some really nice work you've done there.
Well, if you're ever planning on cutting some new ones, I'd even be happy with a couple of sets of legs and the little fixture ring. I have everything else. This would be a great project for a couple kids that I know who are interested in welding. And if they don't want to, it would be fun for me to

If you're set on actually making at least one set. I'd be happy getting another set of parts cut.

 

[sqznby]

If you're set on actually making at least one set. I'd be happy getting another set of parts cut.

Absolutely, that would be great! Would you include the jig?

 

[larry4406]

Very nice stool fab!

Clever jig for spacing the legs.

Why 5 wheels? I thought 3 legs for a stool was the gold standard?

 

[KwikFab]

Fantastic work, what do you think you'll have in it parts wise once it's done? Are you going to paint or powdercoat the base?

Thanks!

Just spray paint, afterall the whole goal was -

Comfort, cheaper than Vyper, specific sitting height

Since I cut a lot of orders out every week, the steel used has cost me nothing since it paid for itself 3-4 times over. That and I still have some left over.

The casters set me back what, $95? Leather unfortunately was more than I intended at $75 with tax and shipping. Can't really buy a small piece without going too small. It's pretty soft though and listed as "2.6oz" specifically made for seating furniture.

Foam from Foamonline was around $50 with tax and shipping as well.

The wood is costing me nothing other than shipping the sign I made for it so I think some $15 or so. The steel for making it though is also scrap I have laying around that's more than paid for itself.

Then the acme screw with 3 nuts was about $66 total from McMaster Carr.

So all in I'll be at $300.

Damn, that got expensive quick. But there definitely could've been some money saved. I was ok spending more on wheels cause I wanted something to last me a long time. And the leather? I could've saved on leather, foam, etc and just bought a restaurant-style replacement stool top for a lot less money.

 

[KwikFab]

Absolutely, that would be great! Would you include the jig?

Yeah that's definitely not something I'd skip out on. It helps to set the legs at the necessary 72 degrees.

 

[KwikFab]

Very nice stool fab!

Clever jig for spacing the legs.

Why 5 wheels? I thought 3 legs for a stool was the gold standard?

I have no idea what I'm doing.

All I know is, I saw Vyper using 5 legs and casters so I'll use 5 legs and casters.



That and I can't afford their chair so I'm making my own.

I do like that I'm using real leather versus their vinyl.

 

[sqznby]

Yeah that's definitely not something I'd skip out on. It helps to set the legs at the necessary 72 degrees.

Awesome. If you want to shoot me a PM for any info that would be great. And there is absolutely no rush, take your time.

You'll notice a huge difference with 5 casters compared to the 3 or even 4 especially rolling around, it's just that much more stable. Less likely to flip haha.

 

[Skyman]

Five legs for stability/safety. Having a stool tip out from under you can ruin your day. Or your life.

 

[larry4406]

I have no idea what I'm doing.

All I know is, I saw Vyper using 5 legs and casters so I'll use 5 legs and casters.



That and I can't afford their chair so I'm making my own.

I do like that I'm using real leather versus their vinyl.

Are you gonna make the round foot rest as well?

 

[larry4406]

If the surface being rolled on is not perfect (none are) I think one or more of the 5 wheels will not be in contact by some amount.

Perhaps a compression coil spring mount on the casters?

 

[KwikFab]

Awesome. If you want to shoot me a PM for any info that would be great. And there is absolutely no rush, take your time.

You'll notice a huge difference with 5 casters compared to the 3 or even 4 especially rolling around, it's just that much more stable. Less likely to flip haha.

Once I get home, I'll figure out roughly how much steel it'll require.

Just loaded up another 2' x 4' of 3/16" yesterday just before welding up the stool.

A repeat customer of mine buys a lot of custom brake mounts and more that I make for him. He customizes and makes small motor bikes so he's ordering parts once a week from me.



I'll need to determine what size bottom platform that the lead screw nut will be welded on, which will require holes for mounting the wood panel.

Will five 1/4" - 20 T nuts suffice for the stool cushion/top?

 

[KwikFab]

Are you gonna make the round foot rest as well?

Yes, but I'll have to just make a circle out of 3/16" since I don't have a roller of any sort to roll tube.

Once the cushipn/top is made I can determine how large of a diameter I need for the footrest.

I don't want to go too high or too low.

 

[KwikFab]

If the surface being rolled on is not perfect (none are) I think one or more of the 5 wheels will not be in contact by some amount.

Perhaps a compression coil spring mount on the casters?

Got the casters as perfect as can be - all 5 touch my flat table.

My floor though? Definitely not flat.

However, all 5 touch the floor where I left it near my CNC table!

Think I'm too far aheas for what you're suggesting though. The small tubes are 1" long and the stems on the casters are 1.5" long.

 

[larry4406]

Yes, but I'll have to just make a circle out of 3/16" since I don't have a roller of any sort to roll tube.

Once the cushipn/top is made I can determine how large of a diameter I need for the footrest.

I don't want to go too high or too low.

I think you are one state away from @PugetDude who might be able to roll you a tube for a foot rest. He built a hell of a nice tube roller!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Very nice stool fab!

Clever jig for spacing the legs.

Why 5 wheels? I thought 3 legs for a stool was the gold standard?

5 wheels for the weight rating ! C'mon man, he's huge. . . you know all 163 lbs.

Yes, but I'll have to just make a circle out of 3/16" since I don't have a roller of any sort to roll tube.

Once the cushipn/top is made I can determine how large of a diameter I need for the footrest.

I don't want to go too high or too low.

I bought one and have yet to get it out of the box but for a simple ring roller, this might work for you.

https://www.harborfreight.com/gear-driven-ring-roller-70907.html

• Handles metal stock up to 1/4 in. round or 3/16 in. x 1 in. flat

Cool looking stool. I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[KwikFab]

I think you are one state away from @PugetDude who might be able to roll you a tube for a foot rest. He built a hell of a nice tube roller!

I could make myself a roller, just too lazy and don't have much room

Small garage!



What ***** about the tube, even if a member is just the next state over, is that shipping will be pricey.

I ship a lot all over the country (and Canada) and just sending a large (and light) package is a lot more expensive than something small and heavy.

Using a flat ring will be the one compromise I'll have to make for this stool.

 

[KwikFab]

5 wheels for the weight rating ! C'mon man, he's huge. . . you know all 163 lbs.



I bought one and have yet to get it out of the box but for a simple ring roller, this might work for you.

https://www.harborfreight.com/gear-driven-ring-roller-70907.html

• Handles metal stock up to 1/4 in. round or 3/16 in. x 1 in. flat

Cool looking stool. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Was looking around online a few nights ago, and I'd have to be in the $300+ range to make the footrest I want.

Using 1/4" rod would be too small. I do have some 5/8" rod though but I normally use that for other stuff.

Who knows, I might not write off the tube thing completely...

 

[KwikFab]

Since I just got home, I thought I'd roll it about and it seems to sit on all 5 casters everywhere I'll be using it.



Just need to hit it with my crimped wire wheel on my angle grinder to get any weld spatter off.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Was looking around online a few nights ago, and I'd have to be in the $300+ range to make the footrest I want.

Using 1/4" rod would be too small. I do have some 5/8" rod though but I normally use that for other stuff.

Who knows, I might not write off the tube thing completely...

You could possibly use two pieces of 1/4" rod, spaced about an inch apart. . . 2'' overall diameter larger. I bet those would give you the strength you need together.

 

[KwikFab]

You could possibly use two pieces of 1/4" rod, spaced about an inch apart. . . 2'' overall diameter larger. I bet those would give you the strength you need together.

That, is not a bad idea actually ****.

It's just, 1/4" is so thin but that idea could work well with thicker rod.

Now you got the gears turning.

 

[KwikFab]

So this is 1/4" solid rod, and yeah it's super thin.



It's over 5' long so it'll easily cover the 56.5" needed for an 18" diameter, but even if I did 2 or 3 rounds I feel like it'll be too thin and a lot of work.

 

[KwikFab]

Looks like this will be the best way to go - https://www.harborfreight.com/tubing-roller-99736.html

I'll need to save up for a bit first

 

[welder4956]

So this is 1/4" solid rod, and yeah it's super thin.



It's over 5' long so it'll easily cover the 56.5" needed for an 18" diameter, but even if I did 2 or 3 rounds I feel like it'll be too thin and a lot of work.

If you have access to an oxy-acetylene torch, make a round form from plywood or metal. Two layers of 3/4" plywood would be more than enough. Then stake one end of a length of 1/2" pipe as you heat and form it around the plywood form. Sure it will burn the wood a little, but it won't keep it from doing the job.

 

[KwikFab]

If you have access to an oxy-acetylene torch, make a round form from plywood or metal. Two layers of 3/4" plywood would be more than enough. Then stake one end of a length of 1/2" pipe as you heat and form it around the plywood form. Sure it will burn the wood a little, but it won't keep it from doing the job.

I have a small oxyfuel setup.

But no wood anything here, I refuse to do any sort of woodworking at all

The thinner solid rod though being spaced out a bit is a good alternative to getting some DOM rolled though. It'll be cheaper too (whether I do it myself or pay someone).

Your idea is a great one though, but I may just bite the bullet and buy a tool if I can't find someone local. I have a terrible back and prefer to work smarter, not harder.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'm lovin' this project!

Why throw away $700 for a shop stool when you can make one yourself for twice the price?!

With all the work you're putting into it, and the results you're achieving, I'd think powder-coat would be a fine investment. That stool will be around longer than any of us will!

 

[Meursault74]

I could make myself a roller, just too lazy and don't have much room

Small garage!



What ***** about the tube, even if a member is just the next state over, is that shipping will be pricey.

I ship a lot all over the country (and Canada) and just sending a large (and light) package is a lot more expensive than something small and heavy.

Using a flat ring will be the one compromise I'll have to make for this stool.

'86 300zx ?

I had an '84 long ago. I rarely see that era on the road these days.


Great stool project, BTW.

 

[KwikFab]

I'm lovin' this project!

Why throw away $700 for a shop stool when you can make one yourself for twice the price?!

With all the work you're putting into it, and the results you're achieving, I'd think powder-coat would be a fine investment. That stool will be around longer than any of us will!

Ehhh, I'm at less than half the cost. Not sure where you got double.

 

[KwikFab]

'86 300zx ?

I had an '84 long ago. I rarely see that era on the road these days.


Great stool project, BTW.

Good eye! Not everyone knows the subtle differences when going from Zenki to Kouki and the '86 specifically.

Used to own two different '85 Turbo Z31's but they're long gone.

This one's literally got just a few miles on the fully rebuilt motor.

 

[Beerhippie]

Ehhh, I'm at less than half the cost. Not sure where you got double.

Figuring your skills, tools and labor deserve a value--a non-trivial one.

 

[KwikFab]

Figuring your skills, tools and labor deserve a value--a non-trivial one.

No way my friend, not when it's for myself for fun!

I'm retired, so I decide what work I take on.

As a side gig, I will do some fab work though at the rate of $100/hr with a half hour minimum. I really just enjoy catering to small timers and DIYers that feel forced to either give up their own personal project and/or repair, or pay up the nose.

Not everyone has the ability to do CAD, nor wants to be forced to pay ridiculous pricing to shops that prefer to do bulk orders.

I like to help the little guy!

But really, many prefer to be able to have that 1-on-1 when discussing a project, needing parts made, and/or being flexible with changes on stuff. So I'm thankful for the support I get both locally, and on a large forum I'm a vendor in.

 

[KwikFab]

But also, this thread could help others determine if it's worth making their own premium stool or not!

Or stick with the sub-$100 model from HF.

Or just saying screw it, and spending +$700 on one!

Time definitely has value. Making stuff is therapeutic for me

 

[Beerhippie]

No way my friend, not when it's for myself for fun!

I'm retired, so I decide what work I take on.

As a side gig, I will do some fab work though at the rate of $100/hr with a half hour minimum. I really just enjoy catering to small timers and DIYers that feel forced to either give up their own personal project and/or repair, or pay up the nose.

Not everyone has the ability to do CAD, nor wants to be forced to pay ridiculous pricing to shops that prefer to do bulk orders.

I like to help the little guy!

But really, many prefer to be able to have that 1-on-1 when discussing a project, needing parts made, and/or being flexible with changes on stuff. So I'm thankful for the support I get both locally, and on a large forum I'm a vendor in.

Just sayin', if I were to buy one of those stools, complete, from you, I'd sure as hell expect to pay more than $700! And I'd probably feel like I stole it!

The local machine shop where we used to get a lot of small jobs done, quite reasonably, has passed on to the next generation and is now $125/hr, 1 hr. min for machining--and I don't get to BS with old Joe (really his name) over coffee anymore.