Category: camping

Folding Stools and Table

~ George Crawford ~ 3 Comments

I have had many requests for dimensions of the stools and table so I finally sucked it up and measured some things to include here.  The only ones apparently on the web cost money so here are my dimensions.  Please modify them to fit your style, needs, or lumber.  A little time with some graph paper will go a long way.

Folding stools.  Here is my cutting list from most recent batch.  The angles of the feet  will have to be worked out for yourself.  Also, not listed are the stretchers (the cross boards between legs).  These are not absolutely necessary but make the whole shebang a lot stronger.  Use whatever you have.

Legs 1×3″: 4 @ 18″
Skirts 1×3″: 4 @ 11″
Seat 1×6″: 2 @ 16″ (can vary substantially.  adjust dowels accordingly)
Dowels 1″ oak: 1 @ 12 3/4″
Dowels 1″ oak: 4 @ 1 1/2″

First, make these parts.
Assemble like so...

Then finish with the rest of the parts (See top photo).

Table test. Suitable for light dancing.

Note in above photos the far side stretcher isn’t in place.  I ran out of wood this day.

Table
For a 28″ tall table:
Legs 1×4″ hardwood: 4 @ 34″
Skirts 1×4″: 4 @ 20″
Top 1×12″: 2 @ 36-48″

Assemble just like the stool.

A little nomad furniture project.  Great for when guests arrive too.  If you are creative, the tops can be cut into ovals, rounded rectangles, or made circular.

Backpack

~ George Crawford ~ 20 Comments

As if the evenings weren’t busy enough.  I had the urge to create something large from leather.  This is probably my biggest project of this type to date.  It’s a bit heavy compared to lightweight nylon of modern packs but it will probably outlive me.

It took the better part of an oak tanned cow side and some harness leather for the straps.  It was a load of work for somebody as lazy as I am but an interesting puzzle to design and put together.

It can hold a long weekend’s worth of goodies or a laptop, small SLR camera bag, and field gear.

It will darken and become much softer with some neatsfoot oil.

Oiled and ready to use.

Odds and Ends

~ George Crawford ~ 3 Comments

I finally found the shaving mirror that was perfect for the wagon.  I have seen them in photos of other western wagons.  Local hardware and bath stores only had very cheesy, lightweight mirrors on folding arms.  After some internet searching, I found this one that had good reviews on Amazon.  It is sturdy and appears to be well-built.

Below is the coffee grinder that was the fist housewarming gift for the wagon.  Thanks Mick.  It works well.

Finally, the step porch I have been debating over for a long time.  We’ll see if it works out.

Yet Another Modern Vardo

~ George Crawford ~ Leave a comment

 

Another modern trailer vardo underway at “Vardo-a-go-go“.  It looks to be built to slide into a cargo flatbed and will apparently be used as a recreation vehicle.  The design is a modified “American Vardo” from Timothy Lemke.  I think the greatest benefit of this plan is its extreme light-weightness and relatively simple construction.  Good luck Libby and show us more photos!

Vardo Table

~ George Crawford ~ 2 Comments

Third try is the best.  After trying two other solutions for the table front, this is what I decided upon.  Oak with a simple brass sash pull.  Not very exciting I know, but still an important detail.

The two visible screw heads will be plugged to hide them better.  I just haven’t made it that far yet.

There are more small fixes and additions that have been made, just waiting to be posted here.