FRANKLIN LIBRARY CHAIR FOR DOLLHOUSE

This is a prototype of the Benjamin Franklin library chair made for a doll's house. I call it a prototype because I wanted to see if it could be done, and if so, what I'd have to do to make one attractive enough to actually go into a doll's house.

The invention of this chair that turns into a step stool is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. I've built several over the years (one pictured above) and have given them all away as gifts. I thought it would make a nice Instructable, but when I printed out the plan I got a different idea. Make a doll's house sized version.

I figured I'd use the actual printed plan as my template. I cut some scrap pallet wood, taped two pieces together and glued the template to the two.

My two sons and daughter-in-law bought me this Jig Saw for my birthday on 7/31. Of course, if you know anything about me, I love jigs. I built a squaring jig to check the squareness of the blade.

I made two templates in case I really messed this first one up. I cut out the pieces. I drilled a hole in the places for cut-outs, fed the blade through and cut away the waste. I mixed super glue and sawdust to fill in the pallet wood's imperfections.

I cut pop sticks for the back rails, seat and steps. And super glued them all in place. I used painter's tape as a temporary hinge.

I checked to see if it worked. It did.

I spray painted it.

I used white duct tape to cover the seat and act as a hinge. And here is the final result. I consider this a prototype. If I were to build this again I'd use better wood, sand more, cut better, and definitely wear my magnifying head gear for the small details. I'd add a pair of tweezers to my assembly tools, too. Maybe some CA activator. I've got super glue all over my fingers. Anyway, this was a fun test to see if I could do something. And, yes, that's my coffee cup. I told you I was old.

Let me know what you think. Comments are always welcome and questions are always answered.

KJ