The goal for this project was to create a hardwood sitting stool or side table utilizing modern woodworking techniques and no hardware. A secondary accent material was to be added to improve visual interest. Following initial paper sketches, models were made in foam core and later balsa wood. Weekly critiques were held to refine the concept. Final designs were drafted in AutoCAD and quantity of materials calculated. Hard maple was chosen and dimensioned using the jointer, planer, and table saw. The base of the stool was constructed using glued mortise/tenon and bridle joints. The seat was glued, trimmed with a router, and glued to the base. Three paper strips were chosen as the secondary material and placed across the diagonal span of the legs with cross braces between the strips. Paper strips have a small piece of steel within the layers that attaches to the side table with magnets and allows them to be changed or replaced to suite the needs of the owner.

The name for the side table comes from quanta, discrete packets of energy that define our interactions with our environment and form the basis of quantum mechanics.