This toy pattern includes a multi-page PDF. Please be sure to download and print the attached toy pattern at the bottom of this page along with these instructions.
Tools
- Band Saw or Scroll saw
- Table Saw or Chop Saw
- Sanders – Disc, Belt and spindle
- Router with 1/8″ and 1/4″ round over bits
- Drill Press
- Sand paper or emery boards
Material
- 3/4″ lumber
- 3/4″ hardwood plywood
- 5/8″ dowel
- 2″ wood screws with phillips or torx heads
- 2-1/2″ trim screw with #1 phillips head
Instructions
- NOTE THAT THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE MAGAZINE ARTICLE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS TOY PATTERN.
- Make pattern from plans of the Toddlers Rocking Horse parts by gluing them to a piece of cardboard or hardboard. Cut pattern to shape.
- Draw shape on wood surfaces. Make sure the notch in the Seatboard matches the thickness of the Horse’s Head.
- Saw the horse’s head from 3/4″ hardwood plywood. Round over the edges with a 1/8″ round over bit.
- Drill a 5/8″ hole in the Horse’s Head where indicated.
- Saw the remaining parts from 3/4″ lumber. Fill any voids, cracks or knot holes with filler.
- Saw 2 pieces for the Seat Brace. One will be installed as shown. The other should be attached to the underside of the Seatboard and used to align the back end of the rockers with the holes in the Seatboard.
- Round over the top & bottom edges (except the notch) of the Seatboard with a 1/4″ round over bit.
- Round over the curved edges of the Rockers with a 1/4″ round over bit.
- Round over the edges of the Seat Braces that will not be flush against another board with a 1/4″ round over bit.
- Prior to starting any assembly, sand all the 3/4″ pieces with 150 and 220 grit sand paper. As the magazine article indicates, there is likely no part of the Rocking Horse that will not be touched by the child using it.
- Lay out the holes for the screws that will secure the Seatboard to the rockers and drill/countersink them. The screw heads should be below the surface of the Seatboard
- Lay out the holes for the screws that will secure the Rockers to the front Seat Bracket. Drill and countersink them. Arrange the rockers so they do not extend past the front of the Seatboard and the Seat Bracket so it aligns with the end of the notch in the Seatboard.
- Turn the Seatboard upside down and place the rear Seat Bracket between the Rockers and align the Rockers with the holes in the Seatboard.
- Glue and screw the rear Seat Bracket to the bottom of the Seatboard with 1-1/4″ screws.
- Turn the Seatboard over, place it on the Rockers with the rear Rockers firmly against rear Seat Bracket. Glue and screw the Seatboard to the Rockers.
- Lay out the holes for the screws that will secure the Horse’s Head to the Seatboard and the Seat Brace. Drill and countersink them. Holes in the Seatboard are countersunk from below. Glue and screw the Horse’s Head to the Seatboard and the Seat Brace.
- Glue and screw the Handle to the Horse’s Head. The sccrew should go through the back of the neck of the Horse’s Head into the handle.
- After all assembly is completed, sand all edges with 220 grit sand paper to eliminate any roughness.
- Rub your hands over the entire Rocker to make sure there are not sharp edges or points. Remove with sandpaper if any are found.
- Draw in details of the Horse’s Head, as indicated in the magazine article, if desired.