I have a tendency to overdo things when it comes to engineering tolerances in the real world. My workbench is a testament to this, with its six legs and enormous amounts of 2x4 lumber being used in its construction. As and when we ever move house, I doubt I would be able to take it with me.

With our baby's due date fast approaching Jen asked me to make her a birthing stool. I did some research online and found a couple of postings about dimensions and materials, but I went for something a little more sturdy just to be sure. Also, most of the designs called for hardwoods, and the only timber I had to hand was 2x4s left over from the workbench and the downstairs gut-and-rebuild from last year.

I may have overdone the bracing.

My original design featured a couple of nice diagonal braces across the back to stop any wobbles, but I gave up on those when I couldn't figure out the trig quickly. So this design is definitely of the quick and dirty variety. It's pretty sturdy though, and once I've finished taking off the corners it should be comfortable enough.

I'll have another go if we have another child, maybe getting some of the good hardwood I really wanted to use and following the classic dining-chair-with-the-seat-cut-out pattern.

The baby, of course, is very close now. We are past the 37 week mark where our baby would be considered premature, so as our midwife said just yesterday the baby could come any time now.

I've been busy with prep for this momentous event, so apologieis for my recent silence. I don't imagine I will be posting very frequently very soon....

Posted by Dunx at June 28, 2005 05:35 PM