Directions to Make Stilts

Place a 1-by-8-inch board on a worktable. Use a combination square to cut the board at 45-degree angles. Cut out four pieces with the table saw to form the treads, or foot supports for the stilts. Cut out two support pieces which will serve to connect the treads to the stilt poles.

Apply wood glue to the face of one tread and place another tread over it. Line up the edges. Hammer at least two 3d nails through the center of the tread pieces. Clean any excess glue with a rag. Repeat this process with the other two tread pieces.

Attach a countersink bit to your drill. Position the drill 2 inches from each corner of the support pieces and drill in a pilot hole. Drill 1 1/4-inch deck screws through each hole.

Drill a pilot hole into each corner of the foot supports or treads. Drill two more holes into the top of each support piece. Run wood glue across the edge of each support piece, then position the tread on top of the support piece. Drill 2-inch deck screws through the pilot holes to secure the treads to the support pieces. Drill pilot holes using a 5/16-inch bit through the center of the support pieces, which will later support carriage bolts.

Position two poles on the work table so that their flat sides face you. Measure and mark a line down the center of each pole. Mark a line on each pole two or three inches from the bottom. Measure 4 inches up and make another mark. Repeat this process until you have four marks on each pole.

Drill 5/16-inch holes through the marks. Sand the supports and treads with a random-orbit sander and 120-grit sandpaper. Sand down the poles using a hand sander. This will prevent injury from splinters or sharp wooden edges.

Align the flat end of the tread with the pole's flat end. Align the holes drilled into the support with the two holes drilled into the lowest section of the stilt pole. Insert carriage bolts through each hole. Connect a fender washer, lock washer and wing nut at the end of each bolt. Repeat this process with the other pole.