Stool talk

[sleddogg]

Not sure if this is the right place for this but here goes... I often find myself squatting at a low to the ground project only to find sore knees, ankles and feet constantly interupting my progress. Has anyone ever seen a portable seat or step stool that is as much suited for sitting on as for using as a step up when needed. I'm thinking that tool toting capabilities would be a real bonus too. Perhaps 14"-18" high, sturdy (270 lbs), made of resin/plastic, maybe with a tool box below that could even unbuckle/seperate. I could hit the shop, access specific tools for specific task, carry all in one hand and have a nice comfy seat while fixing some low to ground problem. I've seen automotive shop type low boy stools but would prefer a more portable version. Anyone know of such an animal? Or...lets collaborate and sell the idea to Rubbermaid or Stanley. So far I've seen nothing close at HD, Menards or Farm and Fleet. Probably exists, just havent found it yet. I don't even know what it would be called. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[gwyneth]

In one of Nick Engler's shop furniture books, he's got plans for a combination seat/step stool/tool carrier. It adjusts in height.

I also own one of these, although I didn't get it at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94723

I also used to have a combination tool box and step stool. It was plastic and probably made by Rubbermaid during its weird combo years in the late 90s.

(If you want info on step stools, just ask someone who's 5' 0" tall.)

[RodKirby]

I made my own and then discovered these:

http://www.brandsonsale.com/ht-001677.html

Do a Google search on "Mechanics stool"

BTW (for me), wheels are important!

[leehljp]

I made one very similar to what Rod posted. It was very helpful in my two garage shop in Osaka, but in storage since my move to Toyota where I have a 9 X 12 shop. Very very convenient.

[Pappy]

I have seen stools in libraries and stores that were on sprung casters that compressed when you stepped on them.

[Thom2]

Something like this maybe???

[capncarl]

Ive have a garden type seat on wheels that I have been using for several years. It's plastic, the seat hinges up for tool storage, and it has a drink holder. I like it cause I can just kick it under the work bench to it's hiding place. Bad thing is I put so many tools in it I have to roll it around.
I think this one came from ACE.
capncarl

[cabinetman]

Here's an idea for your stool. Years ago I made a wood toolbox/stool that looked like this quick sketch. It has since been retired. It was 18" H, 18" L and about 12" W. It had a simple wood to wood slide out tray, and a handle hole in the top. I used it for sitting, and as support for standing and cutting, and used the edges to clamp to.
.

[DonHo]

Some of the other replies look pretty good. This is what I use and find it very useful and sturdy. It folds flat for storage.
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...766,44767&ap=1

Even though they call it a kneeler, you can turn the other side up and it's a sturdy bench at a good hight. I already had this stool because I was into gardening before I took up woodwork and it's saved my bad knees a lot over the years.

DonHo

[frumper64]

How about a 5 gallon bucket?

I use a 5 gallon plastic bucket with a reasonably comfortable top to carry tools and then use as a seat. I got the top at one of the big boxes a few years ago and it has actually worked out quite well. Lots of room in the bucket, and room on top for mine.

[sleddogg]

Thanks to all so far. I'm seeing some real possibilities in these. I think I'll wait a couple more days to see what else might pop up here. I'm notorious for jumping the gun and two days later seeing the "just what I had in mind" jump out in front of me after I've ordered something else. In my mind I'm thinking that the tool carrier and the seat should be seperable so you don't have to get up and down everytime you need a different tool, yet become one unit for easy toting while keeping one hand free for other tools. (extension cord, compressor, etc.)

[Black wallnut]

I have a rubbermaid step stool/ tool box that I've had for years. Seems like exactly what you are after. It has been with me so long I do not even remember where I purchased it. Looks like it is no longer in their product line.

[Pappy]

Something like this?

http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Bi...52300BGE/07Q3/

[gwyneth]

No, the one I had, and I believe Mark has, wasn't round, didn't roll, and had a hinged lid.

Sort of like these:

http://doitbest.com/main.aspx?pageid...associate=true
GRN STEPSTOOL/TOOL BOX by Flambeau Prod. - More Not Displayed at doitbest.com

http://www.hectorshardware.biz/shop/...04&sku=375942&
Hectors Hardware: Product Description

http://secure.data-comm.com/DC/Detail.bok?no=138360
Data Comm Network Systems

BTW, the Google product search also turned up that HF one, on Ebay, with bidding or price at $14 something (only fifty percent over what HF gets!)

[TheRic]

My dad has one like Thom and gwyneth posted. He used to to sit on when he changed brakes on the cars (was a rural mail carrier, several sets of brakes a year). It help him 250+ at the time, plus the 35lbs of tools. He still has it.

I like the 5 gallon bucket idea. Make your own lid one with a soft side to sit on, one with a hard top to stand on.