Lost Art Press

Joint Stools Built by Readers

Posted on by Lost Art Press

“Make a Joint Stool from a Tree” has been out a while now, so once you’ve digested  your copy, go get at some oak and let us see what you came up with. Hopefully summer will let go soon, so the heavy work of busting open a log won’t seem so daunting. I know I have cut back on what I have tackled during the heat and humidity.

Here is a stool sent in a while ago by reader Larry Barrett:

Here’s what Larry had to say:

“Attached are a few photos of joint stools, carved boxes and chairs – all made thanks to things I have learned from you both, either via your new book, Peter’s blog or classes with Jennie.  I have a good sized black (or maybe red) oak and a chestnut oak on the ground so there may be more to come.”

We’re thrilled to see this sort of work, so keep them coming. If you are working your way through the joint stool book, send me some stuff. We’d love to see it.

— Peter Follansbee, one of the authors of “Make a Joint Stool from a Tree”

6 thoughts on “Joint Stools Built by Readers”

  1. Really nice work, Larry.
    I recently finished reading “Make a Joint Stool from a Tree” and am inspired to try one as soon as I acquire the axes and froe I need. Living in FL, I have tried a few projects with Live Oak (the dominant oak in our area). Most of them seem to have wild grain and I wonder if it would be a suitable wood?

    1. Robert – “wild grain” and riven work don’t mix well…my understanding is that live oaks are not truly ring porous like most red & white oaks. Thus work differently. But I have never used any of it…Massachusetts is a long way from live oak country. But your note says you have tried some. What happened?
      PF

      1. Peter,
        I have tried it for conventional woodworking, but not riving. It can be planed pretty well, though tearout can be an issue w/o a low-angle plane. The results are striking, with some wide color variation and loads of ray fleck. I suspect you are right about the cell structure, as my only attempts at splitting were of partially dry smaller pieces for the fireplace. Tough stuff.

  2. That’s my father’s work! It looks as beautiful in real life as it does in the photo. Thank you for inspiring him to make these projects – it is kind of magical to see the pieces come together and gives me an appreciation for the work that goes into great craftwork.

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