Today’s project

Thu., Nov. 17, 2005

Don and Dave Runyan U-Bild

This simple rocking horse project is sure to become a childhood favorite – and maybe even a family heirloom. From its happy smile to its padded “saddle” and rope tail, no one can resist the universal appeal of this classic toy.

The safe and durable design features a limited rocking motion that makes it difficult to tip, and rounded edges eliminate sharp points and corners. Best of all, it’s easy enough for any woodworker (even beginners) with common tools and a little patience.

What you need

The project is built from a single 10-foot piece of 1-by-12 lumber (we used clear pine, but other wood will work). Dowels, wood screws, glue, sandpaper, paint, sealer, a small piece of leather (for the ears) and rope (for the tail) round out the necessary materials.

What you do

The rocking horse calls for eight different cuts and 17 pieces total, all traced from full-size patterns. To build, simply trace the pieces onto the wood, cut them out, sand and assemble with screws and glue. To finish, apply paint and seal with a clear finish.

The rocking horse measures 32-nches long, 26-nches tall, and 12-nches wide.

The Rocking Horse plan, No. 56, is $9.95, includes complete step-by-step directions, full-size traceable patterns, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions. The plan also has alternate traceable patterns for the head and feet that transform the project into a rocking elephant.

How to order the plan

A package of four kids’ rocker plans, No. C73, is $24.95, and includes this rocking horse and another one, plus a rocking dinosaur and a rocking airplane. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Include $3 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o (The Spokesman-Review), P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409.

To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.

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