Heart Foot Stool

This is a very simple project. Only adult woodcrafters should use a drill or drill press to make the holes in this item. The entire project is constructed from 3/4" pine planking boards. There are only four (4) pieces in this project: one top, one support and two ends pieces Simply click on each of the pictures to open, or download, a larger version.
	First, cut out the 7-1/2" by 12" top then round the top edge with a 1-3/16'' diameter by 3/8'' high 'Table Top Edge' router bit. Next, cut out the 2-1/2" by 8-1/2" brace. Now, cut our two 8" by 5" pieces for the ends. Clamp them together and cut the curves into the bottom of both and remove the angles on each side. If you you want to let your Jr. Woodcrafter drill the holes, mark the spot, as indicated by the small black dot on the drawing to the left, on each end with a pencil dot. Otherwise, drill the pilot holes into the end pieces for the screws.
The Jr Woodcrafter will need a hand drill and the proper size bit. The holes need to be big enough the screws will go in easily but do not wobble in the hole (about 1/8"). Now all your Junior Woodcrafter needs is the four wood pieces, the directions, two 1-1/2" sheet rock screws, eight finishing nails (points slightly dulled), a hammer, a hand drill, one drill bit, one counter sink bit (optional), one sheet of 150 grit sandpaper, a really cool workshop apron small enough for kids, and safety goggles.
Construction.
1. Drill a 1/8" hole in each end piece as indicated by the pencil dots. 2. Use the counter sink bit to bevel the pilot hole enough for the screw head to sit flush. 3. Start a screw into each end and screw it in until it just starts to go all the way through. 4. Apply glue to one end of the brace then stand it upright on the workbench. 5. Turn one end piece upside-down and place in centered against the brace so the screw will go into the brace.
6. Apply glue to the other end of the brace. 7. Attach the last end piece to the brace in the same manner.
8. Stand the base upright and apply glue to all the top edges. 9. Carefully center the top over the base. 10. Determine where to place the nails by sight or place them 1-3/8" from the end edge. 11. Drive one nail through the top and into the end piece. 12. Go to the other end of the top and drive one nail through the top and into the end piece. 13. Drive two more nails into each end.
14. Optional - drive two nails through the top and into the brace. 15. Sand all surfaces to a smooth finish. 16. Be sure to sand the sharp corners off completely to a soft round shape. 17. You can finish the stool in several ways: unfinished, a natural finish, stained and finshed, or painted.
You may wish to paint your name on the stool and then coat it with a clear protective finish.

*********** WARNING***********
Read my page on safety before building this item.