My family moved into a new house, meaning that we finally have an actual garage instead of a measly carport. But what this really means is that I get a chance to claim space to set up an actual workshop! First project was naturally a workbench, which I put together using 2x4’s and a 3/4" MDF board for the work surface (see above). Second project was a bench stool, as shown in the following images below. The builders left some 1/8" plywood in the yard, and I wanted to see how sturdy of a chair I can make with it given the inherent flimsiness of the thin sheet stock. By adding a reinforcing cross-brace at the base of the legs, I was able to significantly increase its sturdiness.
![](/imgs/blog-imgs/new-shop/IMG_20160602_170121.jpg)
I used a jigsaw to cut out each side, and fastened together with glue and nails (since screws would likely split the wood).
![](/imgs/blog-imgs/new-shop/IMG_20160603_122213.jpg)
Blocks of wood being clamped, which will be used to attach the seat. note the cross-brace near the feet of the stool.
![](/imgs/blog-imgs/new-shop/IMG_20160602_210114.jpg)
Gluing and clamping three sheets of the same plywood to get a more comfortable contour for sitting. This is a similar method to how skateboards/longboards are given their complex curvatures.
For a stool made with the cheapest possible wood, it actually turned out half-decent and it does what it needs to do!