Log Bench

I needed a stool for my garage. I wanted something high and sturdy. I went out to the back yard and got a bunch of logs together. At first I used a miter saw to roughly cut the shape of a tenon. This was not only unsafe, it didn't work very well either. Here's what I ended up doing:

1) Cut the logs to length. If you're using a tape measure, the logs are too straight and you're going about this the wrong way. Just eyeball it.

2) Drill the holes that will support the logs. I used a 1 1/4" bit. Again, just approximate where the supports will be.

3) Cut the tenons with a hole cutting drill bit. I removed the center bit and used a 1 1/4" bit as well.

4) Glue the logs in place. Wood glue should work.

5) Mill a log into flat pieces using a table saw.

6) Glue the pieces together to form a seat. I stapled them as well but it just ended up coming loose.

7) Put the seat on top of the now dry frame.

8) Test 'er out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickjcox/3524039501/

Wooden Spoon

Don't have a spoon? Just make one from a log. I probably should have documented all the steps in this but it's pretty simple:

1) Get a log. I used a small cedar log from the back yard.
2) Carve a rough shape with an axe. Or you can use a knife, it'll just take longer.
3) Carve the rest with a knife. I used a dremel drill to help out a bit.
4) Lots of sanding.