John asks questions,


> I think I've got all the necessary tools except for the reamer, could you talk
some about that tool?
> 

Others have pointed to various good links. The one in my photo is an 11 degree
reamer by Fred Emhoff. As are my spoon bits (not pictured). My next reamer will
be a 6 degree reamer made in the jennie alexander style using a compass saw
blade. Can’t hurt to have more than one reamer, right??


> I observed in your photos and in the Schwarz plans that there is a goodly
chamfer on the seat, but on the underside!  I was surprised by this as this
means that there will be a sharp edge digging into the underside of the sitter's
thighs, especially since the front edge is higher than the back.  Any particular
reason that the edges on the top of the seat are not relieved in some fashion?

Having finished the stool and sat in it, I can tell that the sharp edges have
not come into play. If you sit with the seat tilted back, your feet rest on the
stretcher, which raises your legs high enough to not rest on the sharp edge.

When you sit the other way, with the seat tilted forward, your feet rest on the
ground and again, my thighs do not encounter the sharp edge.

I think folks are more than welcome to ease the top edge as needed.

The bottom edge is beveled only for visual lightness, tricking the brain into
thinking the seat is a thinner material.

> 
> Finally, what are your thoughts on final finish?  Milk paint?  Schwarz's burn
technique?  Nothing?
> 

I had originally planned on the shou sugi ban finish (the torched, brushed,
varnished finish), but I was too eager to get it together. That finish is best
when performed pre-assembly (the joints must be done post-assembly). I don’t
know whether I’ll finish with wax/oil, or milk paint, or nothing.

Surely I will make more of these.

> 
> P.S.  When are you and the brood going to come visit Asheville and surrounding
environs?  We've got guest rooms galore and on-demand shop tours!
> 

John, the wife doesn’t travel well, so I’m afraid we don’t ever leave town. If
you’re coming through, do let me know!


Matthew Groves
Springfield, MO