Build a Vintage Inspired Industrial Stool

Build something unique and add an extra personal touch to your home with  this vintage inspired, European type stool. This DIY project is  sure to impress and is easy to  create with a welding machine, metal and these step-by-step instructions.

Forney Industries teamed  up with Joe Mooney from Homesteadonomics to create  an industrial stool that Mooney could use in his home office. Mooney searched the internet  for some inspiration and  decided on a design that  would be practical for the whole family.

Tools and Materials

  • Forney 190 MP (ITEM# 324) or Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I (ITEM# 261)
  • Threaded Rod (ITEM# 49677)
  • Tube Steel for legs, 1” diameter, 12 gauge thick
  • Tube Steel for interior post with coupler nut, 1-5/8” diameter, 1/8” thick
  • Coupler nut for interior post
  • Scrap Metal
  • Angle Grinder (ITEM# 1901)
  • Magnets (ITEM# 70717)
  • 7/8” Coupler Nut
  • Washers
  • Clamps (ITEM# 70201)

Project Prep

Remember to practice safe metalworking habits by wearing the proper personal protective equipment. A fire-resistant welding jacket or apron and sleeves, welding gloves, safety glasses and a welding helmet will keep you protected from harmful arc flash and sparks.

The seat portion of the stool depends on your comfort needs. Mooney created a wooden seat for his stool (see how on his Homesteadonomics YouTube channel), but a fabric or repurposed seat could also work.

Step by Step Assembly

Start by cutting four triangular gussets out scrap metal, sized about 2 to 3 inches wide, or to a size that will fit the length of the coupler nut out.

Take a 5×5-in. piece of scrap metal and mark the middle where you will put the coupler nut. This will be the connection from the seat to the base.

Lay out your triangle gussets and the coupler nut on the 5×5-in. steel plate where they are evenly spaced. You may find it helpful to align them with the corners of the steel plate.

Tack weld the coupler nut into place, and then add the triangle gussets. Ensure the coupler nut is square to the metal plate as this will ensure the stool seat will end up level.

Pro Tip: Use magnets to hold the coupler in place while you tack weld.

Once your tack welds are done, go back and make full welds along all sides of the triangles.

For the base of the stool, weld a nut inside of a pipe. The is the main function of the stool. The inside diameter of the pipe should allow the nut to snugly fit inside. Some light sanding may be required to fit. When welding the nut, it may distort some of the inner threads. You may have to re-thread the nut if this happens.

While assembling the lower part of the stool, use magnets and clamps to position the entire assembly vertical.

Before placing the legs to the stool, cut the tube steel at a 45-degree angle to attach to the base.

Use your judgment when placing the legs as to which angle you would like them. Tack weld the legs to the base of the chair. Use magnets on a welding table to keep the legs in place. Finish off the legs with a longer weld to keep the legs stable.

Use a sanding disc to clean up any imperfections or mistakes.

To find the angle of the legs  for the bottom, dip each leg into  a shallow container of paint as the stool sits on a level floor.  The paint edge will create a level mark showing where to cut. This will create a flush finish to the floor.

Weld washers onto the bottom of the legs as well as the top of the base for the stool. Use a sanding disc to clean up any imperfections.

Paint the base whichever color you choose.

The final step will be to drill mounting holes in the base plate for your seat to attach. Then you can twist on the threaded rod and take a seat.

Welding and metalworking can add some unique aesthetics to your home. Whether you’re wanting to create some décor for your walls, or build one-of-a-kind furniture, a welding machine can offer many possibilities. Visit forneyind.com to learn more about the products used for this project, and check out Homesteadonomics’ YouTube channel for the video.

Editor’s Note: Blair Weilnau is the Social Media Manager at Forney Industries, one of America’s most established family owned welding  and metalworking product companies. For more information, visit  www.forneyind.com.

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