Giddyap Toy Rocking Horse

 

Start with the Rockers

5 To make the rocker spacer (B) shown on Drawing 2, rip a 3/4"-thick piece of maple to 1 1/16" wide; then, crosscut it to 3 1/8" long. Draw diagonals across one end, mark the centerpoint, and drill a 3/8" hole 3/4" deep.

6 From 3/8" dowel stock, cut four 1 3/4"-long pieces and set two aside for use later. Lay one rocker on its side, and apply glue to the inside surface of the two holes. Apply glue to one end of each dowel, and insert them into the two holes, flush with the back side. Place a 3/4" round wooden bead (the type used for macrame and available at crafts supply stores) over the dowels.

7 Apply glue to one face of the spacer block (B) and position it on the rocker where indicated by the dashed line. Make certain the end with the hole is at the top of the rocker. Now, apply glue to the other face of the spacer block, the free ends of the dowels, and the inside surface of the two end holes in the other rocker. Place the second rocker over the dowels, and press it down until it's snug against the spacer block and beads. Test the alignment by rocking it a few times. Adjust and clamp the assembly.

8 Remove the clamps after the glue dries. Then, drill the two previously marked 3/8" holes through the rockers and spacer block. Slightly bevel one end of each of the two remaining 3/8" dowels. Apply glue to the dowels and holes, and tap the dowels through the rockers and the spacer block. Now, sand all dowel ends flush.