Stool Project - DIY thread

The frame design is stupid strong, definitely nothing wrong with that part of it. In fact, it's even a patented design and definitely something that'll never fall apart.

The issues many people post about (on their own site, on a few forum posts, and social media even) are with their casters just seizing. I can't say anything about their casters as I have no experience with them.

The backrest pad? Oh man, the panel the t-nuts are mounted through feel like cheap particle board just poking at it. The vinyl doesn't feel bad, but side by side with leather I have to wonder why they don't use leather as standard.

Just a rant of course, there are some people that love those chairs! But I do enjoy reading about those that do own one and agree they shouldn't cost as much as they do.

 

That sure beats the milk crate or harbor freight bucket I typically sit on. Nice job

 

Sir, reading that shot a sharp pain up my back

 

Excited to share a bit more progress, even if it's later in the thread.

Had an opportunity to step out for a short bit yesterday and pick up my order finally. I can appreciate that this was done on an automated setup since it ensures the tube isn't crushed, and both parts were rolled evenly for a perfect 18" diameter.



Got started on it today with chopping the ends off.



Followed by some beveling and using my fixtures to hold it together. I'm not setup to weld tube of any sort so I had to make do with what I have.



Once welded, I had to measure out from the legs where to place this tube. It was just as important to center it as much as it was to ensure it lay even all around.





And she's welded up.



Gave it ample time to cool down before I wiped it down for paint.



Painting, on top of going over the paint with heat, was probably the most challenging part of this whole process. The whole setup is large and awkward, not to mention it's difficult getting three different spray patterns evenly done throughout. Anyway, I got it!



As it dries overnight, the paint should fade slightly to match the rest of the stool but here she is 95% done.













Now just to leave it alone while the paint cures!

 

And if you're wondering why only 95%, well I'll be doing away with the backrest pad and sending it back.

@wilcam47 has started up on something a bit larger that I can get done with the remaining leather I've got on hand.

 

Backrest panel arrived!



My only gripe is that, I had cut out the backrest to accept the Vyper pad. The Vyper uses the standard 1/4 - 20 t-nuts so the holes I made come in at 0.30".

I would've liked to use the M8 t-nuts I bought for my stool cushion but didn't want to cut out an entirely new backrest, or damage the paint by enlarging the existing slots.

So in go the 1/4 - 20 t-nuts.



At 7" x 9", it should be quite a bit more supportive than the smaller Vyper.



Can't wait to get foam on it and stitched up in the same leather as my cushion!

 

She's done!

Just picked up the pad, and was surprised that the upholstery shop did it the way they did with a zipped lower opening and all.







Firmness feels about the same as the Vyper since that didn't really need changing. But being that it's leather wrappes makes it feel softer not to mention it matches the seat cushion now.

Totally stoked with the whole setup, and it's all Made in the USA

 

@unstpible

Figured I could tag @TACOTU3 since he expressed interest in new projects for himself.

 

That turned out nice!

 

Kwik Fab and W.A. collaboration

 

Seriously?

No visible credit to to the subcontractors that helped with this project?

You hid the credit to the help?

That's sorry management practices...

I'm having fun.

Great write up!

I might give this a go and reach out to Will to supply the wooden part. He good peeps!


Thanks!

 

Graves Upholstery out of Fresno, CA if y'all want someone to do the stitching for ya

Been in business since what, 1955 I think it is? I love that he did the backrest pad in a sort of "pocket" with the zipper. Excuse the pad looking like it's slightly crooked as that's more my fault when I mounted it.

Easily fixed if I move it around a tad.

Will was awesome about making exactly what I needed too, using premium stuff that others would otherwise skimp out on.

 

Made in USA is an understatement with this project!

 

This is on my shortlist of projects!