Begin by securing the board to your work table or bench.

We begin by measuring and marking the board so we can cut the circle base of the pedestals. Now measure 3” from the end of the board make a mark with your pencil. Now we need to make an intersecting mark 3” up our from the side of the board. From the side of the board crossing the 3” marks made earlier draw a line across the board using your speed square as a straight edge, take your No.2 pencil and draw a line across the width of your board.

If you chose to go with a compass, follow the instructions below
Set the compass radius to 2.5”.
Place the point of the compass on the 3” mark made earlier while measuring.
Adjust the length of the pencil in the compas to the correct length to insure a 5” or smaller circle

If you choose to use a string and nail follow the instructions below.
Place a small nail in the 3” mark you made earlier.
Place a small loop in one end of the string. Place the loop over the nail and stretch the string out and measure it to the 2.5” length. Tie a loop in the string in such a manner that when you place a pencil in the loop you are at or just inside 2.5”.

Draw a circle with the pencil, the string needs to be fully extended to make the best circle possible.

From the opposite side of the board measure 6 1/2” from the end of the board make a mark with your pencil. Now we need to make an intersecting mark 3” out from the side of the board. From the side of the board crossing the 6 1/2” mark made earlier draw a line across the board using your speed square as a straight edge, take your No.2 pencil and draw a line across the width of your board.

Now, on your board you have two perfect circles. Use the claw end of your hammer to remove the nail.

Next, we need to create grooves so the base will fit securely onto the pedestal. Using your square measure across the circles in both directions creating a crossing pattern ¾ of an inch wide.
On you circular saw adjust the base plate depth to ⅜ inch and cut a cross the circles using the lines you drew across the circles. Three or four cuts within the ¾ area should be sufficient.

Now you will need a ½ inch chisel to clean out the groves across the circles. This creates an X shaped groove that the base will fit right into.

Once you have completed the process of clearing the groves of any excess wood. Now it is time to use the jig saw to free the circles from your boards. This may require adjusting your board to allow you a more comfortable work angle.

Now it is time to measure and mark the bases that will house the platforms. This part is much easier than the circles and groves.

There are two bases to be built; they are both made using a lap joint which offers great stability. The tall base is 4.75 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The short base is 2.5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Using your carpenters square mark your boards to guide your saw during the cutts.

Once you have the two bases cut now you will need to measure for the lap joints. The joints will be ¾ of an inch wide and 3 inches deep. The first measurement for the lap joint should be made at 2 ⅝ inches into the base the next measurement should be made at 3 ⅜ inches; using your speed square measure down 3 inches from each mark.

Using your jig saw cut area that will make up your lap joint. As we did with the skill saw, make several cuts down the 3 inches of the base within the lap joint to remove clear the area for the joint.

Once you have removed the majority of the wood within the joint finish the task with the ½ inch chisel, rasp and sandpaper.

Lastely, you can seal, stain or paint your pedestals anyway you like! I used a rag and generously rubbed all of the peices with boiled linseed oil to achieve the look you see here.