Dovetailed Step Stools

Marc Spagnuolo

Marc and Matt team up to show you two versions of the Dovetailed Step Stool: one using mostly hand tools and one using mostly power tools. Either way, it's an in-depth deep dive into the world of dovetails and the resulting step stool is strong enough to support a baby elephant (we're pretty sure)!

This is your opportunity to check out the Wood Whisperer Guild for FREE!

  • 3 lessons
  • 92 min
  • $75.00$0.00

Here's what we'll cover:

  1. Introduction, Materials & Bevels

    An overview of the project, a discussion about wood and alternative designs, followed by cutting the bevels.

  2. Hand Tool Version

    A beautiful step stool is made using hand tools, mostly.

  3. Power Tool (Hybrid) Version

    A hybrid approach to the step stool using hand tools and power tools.

What Will I Receive?

  • Detailed cut list and plans including a PDF and a SketchUp file (Metric and Imperial).
  • Detailed video instruction (3 videos in total) showing every step of the build.
  • All videos and plans are digital and will be available for download after checkout. 

What Will I Learn?

  • Cutting angled dovetails
  • Dovetails with a hand tool focus
  • Dovetails with a power tool focus (Hybrid Style!)
  • Cutting Bevels
  • Shop-Made Tapering Jig

What Will I Need?

  • Jigsaw (for rough-cutting parts)
  • Jointer/Planer (for milling rough stock)
  • Table Saw
  • Bandsaw that tilts 7 degrees in both directions (For the power tool version)
  • Coping Saw
  • Dovetail Saw (For the hand tool version)
  • Chisels
  • Bevel Gauge
  • Dovetail Marker (Optional)

About Your Instructor:

Marc is a podcaster, video producer, woodworking enthusiast, and author of Hybrid Woodworking and Essential Joinery. He has contributed articles and video content to FineWoodworking.com, Popular Woodworking Magazine, WOOD Magazine, and Woodcraft Magazine. He is also the host of The Wood Whisperer, an instructional woodworking video series that’s been going strong since 2006. He is also one of the hosts of the Wood Talk podcast. He has taught classes at the William Ng School, Marc Adams School, Weekend with Wood, Fine Woodworking Live, as well as at various Rockler and Woodcraft stores. He also speaks periodically at woodworking events like AWFS and IWF.