The plastic seat on this adjustable height rolling stool was beyond repair and bound for the dumpster. However, the wheels and the height adjustment mechanism worked just fine. This looked like a good candidate for a shop stool. The obvious solution, to me, was to simply turn a round seat to replace the broken seat.

Fortunately, this stool was manufactured in a way that it was a breeze to remove and replace the seat. I simply had to remove 4 bolts to remove the seat and back. The backrest was press-fitted onto the brace.

Turning The Seat

I selected a large piece of wood to use for the seat. This wood has been in my shop for 8 to 10 years. I do not recall the species. This wood was easy to turn and middle of the road in terms of hardness. The grain is mostly uninteresting.

I marked out the largest possible diameter and cut the blank on the bandsaw.

I mounted it on a face plate.

Then I turned it in the same manner as I would turn a platter.

I reverse mounted the blank and turned a 3/8" deep shallow in the blank. I used a shop made tool to gauge the depth.

Once the inside was complete, I reverse mounted the blank. I used a Bowl Gouge to re-true the bottom.

Then I used a Spindle Gouge to eat away at the tenon. Next, I removed the blank and cut off the remaining portion of the tenon. Finally, I used my Foredom Angle Grinder attachment to sand the entire bottom.

Mounting The Seat

I used my Center Finder to position the base on the seat.

I marked out where the lag bolts would be installed. Now, it was simply a matter of installing the lag bolts and once installed, the stool was back in service.

Decisions

My plan is to use this stool at my Foredom/carving station. This small bench serves as both my hand carving station as well has my Foredom bench. The stool's lowest setting makes it the perfect height for hand carving. The higher setting will be more comfortable while working at the Foredom station.

I did not re-install the backrest. I think the freedom of arm movement will be helpful while carving. However, the back rest supports only the lower back and may not actually interfere. Fortunately, I have enough of the same wood to make a replacement backrest.

Since I am a bit undecided about reinstalling the backrest, I have opted to not apply a finish. I am considering using Milk Paint or possibly a stain. In any case, I would prefer to finish both pieces at the same time to guarantee a better color match between the seat and back. So, I will use the stool in its current state for a few months before making a decision.

Curtis was a former President of Central Texas Woodturners , is a member of the American Association of Woodturners , and is a member of Fine Woodworkers of Austin . Curtis teaches and demonstrates nationally for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. He also teaches for TechShop. He owns a studio where he works and teaches. Curtis lives in Central Texas with his wife and four young children. Take a look at his website at www.curtisturnerstudio.com .