Not That Kind of Stool Sample: An Exercise in Traditional Japanese Joinery

This step stool is made from Black Cherry and incorporates American black walnut accents. It was constructed using traditional Japanese joinery techniques, and utilizes no screws, nails, or metal hardware for fixation. The stretcher uses a through-wedged, half-dovetail mortise - a very strong joint that was commonly used for tie beam (Nageshi) construction in 14th century Japanese architecture. The top of the stool is joined to the base using four wedged mortise and tenons, a common technique seen in both western and Japanese furniture that is particularly resistant to racking forces (side-to-side stress that can cause tilt/sway).

For someone like myself, devoid of any innate artistic talents, woodworking has served as the perfect medium for self-expression. It incorporates elements of exactness, precision, and attention to detail and yields a functional, enduring piece of furniture. It’s an opportunity to work with your hands, hone your skills, get dirty, and bring a creative vision to life. Throughout medical school, woodworking has been the thing that keeps me grounded. Time spent in the woodshop is meditative, and some of my best days are ones spent just milling lumber. In fact, I think it’s time I head down there now. Thanks for checking out the Stool Sample. See ya!