Braces for the back legs....chose the 1 board without any knots...rip 2 pieces out of it....miter the ends to match the splay of the legs....cut both for length while doing the angled cut.....then a rebate on each end. 2 Counter-sunk screws per end, with a dab of glue...
Next...make the 2 folding braces from these..
Brass-plated Lid Stays....cut and shape..
Then drill a hole on each end....Forstner bit to drill a recess for the outside washer...then drill a 1/4" hole through the legs...
A dab of Locktite Blue Thread Locker on the ends of the bolts, before the nut goes on....a drop of 3in1 oil to make sure things will move as needed..
from folded up, to opened up..
So, let the step ladder stand up on it's own 4 feet...
I also set this down onto the shop floor...then stepped up on it....except for the very top step. I NEVER step on that top step, on any Ladder, ever.
Not a sound was heard...solid as a rock, you might say.
Thinking a coat or 2 of Witch's Brew finish...and then use my branding iron....just not sure where to brand at...yet...
A block plane to ease the sharp corners...and see how this turns out...
Stay tuned...