Chain-Saw Lumbering

Fall 1977, $2.50 Vol. 2, No.2

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A uthor and drum . Nitta teaches cum·culum development to teach­ ers in Berkeley, Calz! His Aztec drum was designed as a project for beginners in school shops on restn·cted budgets. Left, these tongue lengths produce pleasing bass and treble tones. Woods and dimensions can be changed to suit the maker.

73

Pad

Gout Stool Double ratchet adj usts height

Pad base

by H. G. Carter

To make an adjustable surface , the ratchet mechanism is as simple and reliable gravity. The cabinetmakers of the 1 8th century frequently used single ratchets (Fine Wood­ working , Spring ' 76) to support adjustable slanting tops for architec t ' s tables, writing flaps, reading rests and music stands. The double ratchet was used to reach a greater height or to provide a raised horizontal surface, as in the gout stool described here. This design was adapted from an antique stool purchased in South Carolina. Its double jacking mechanism will rise from the closed height of 6- 1 1 2 in . to a full 20 i n . , j ust right for supporting the legs, whether they are tender from the gout or simply tired from jogging. If the jack were made stur­ dy enough , and the reactive mechanism and pivot pin strong enough , there is no reason why a large tabletop, elevated platform or even a chair could not be raised and supported . The material layout shows how the entire stool , including leg glue-ups, can be cut from standard 1 x 1 0 stock, 65- 3 / 8 i n . long . I find the glued-up legs acceptable because they are masked by the overhang of the lower frame , but purists will need an additional piece of material 2 - 1 1 4 i n . x 2 - 1 1 4 in . x 1 6 i n . I have made three of these stools in pine, mahogany and wormy chestnut ; one stool takes about 35 hours to make . The legs have an uncomplicated contour and could easily

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H. G. Carter, 56, is a mechanical engineer with Westing­ house Electn·c Corp . , and an amateur housebutfder and fur­ niture maker. He lives in Severna Park, Md.

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Gout stool anatomy.

74

Legs

Ratchet mechanism supports feet and legs, but is too light to sit on.

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