Before cutting into the maple branch I want to use, I used a much smaller log to make a child-sized bench for practice.
I cut grooves into the bench to sit on the logs, it was still rocking around quite a bit so I c hopped off part of each log so they would sit still. It's still not all that stable, the lugs don't fit perfectly into the grooves and slide around quite a bit. Someone suggested cutting grooves into the logs instead, which might wear out faster due to
water accumulating, but I bet it would grip better.
I tried a few different ways to flatten the top of the bench, but it's not all that relevant because the branch I'm using is very flat on top to begin with, I'm hoping it will be a pleasant place to sit just as it is