Reindeer Rocking Chair

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DIY Reindeer rocker chair with template and plans from ana-white.com

Happy Friday!!!

You know what that means .... new Handmade Holiday plans today!

And these plans are especially cute and unique!

Jaime from That's My Letter and I teamed up this week to bring you plans for a DIY rocking chair!

Head on over to That's My Letter for detailed building steps and lots more photos!

And of course, plans follow!

Have a great weekend! May it be full of sawdust!

XO Ana

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above - suitable for 2-4 year olds

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - 24" x 24" pieces of 1/2" thick MDF (or on 48" x 24" piece)

1x3 @ 12"

1x10 @ 12"

1x6 @ 12"

1x4 @ 53"

1-1/4" pocket hole screws or 2" wood screws

Common Materials

3/4 inch screws

1 inch screws

Cut List

2 - 1/2" mdf @ 24" x 24" (reindeer cutouts & antlers)
1 - 1x3 @ 12" (seat apron)
1 - 1x10 @ 12" (seat)
1 - 1x6 @ 12" (seat back)
2 - 1x4 @ 26" (rockers)

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

On one sheet of the 24" x 24" MDF, draw grid lines every 4". Transfer the template diagram above to the MDF using the grid lines as a reference.

Carefuly cut out with a jigsaw. Reserve the piece between reindeers legs for the antlers.

Trace pattern on to second piece of MDF and cut.

A few tips when tracing and cutting the pattern -

- Trace from the side that you marked the pattern on as a jigsaw blade can bevel when you cut, resulting in a difference from one side of the pattern to the other

- Cut the traced line on the second side

- Clamp both pieces together and sand cut edges

Step 2

Jaime built with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

If a Kreg Jig is on your Christmas list, you can also build with countersunk screws in the meantime, but you'll have to hide screw holes and it will be a little tricker to find the placement of the screws from the outside. What I would do is add 1x2 cleats under the seat and behind the backrest. You can also predrill holes through both patterns at the same time to make sure your screws line up.

NOTE: Make sure you predrill all non-pocket hole screws through the MDF.

Step 3

Make sure when you attach the second reindeer to the seat and back rest that they are attached exactly in line with the first and the seat is level.

Step 4

Cut the rockers from the 1x4s and sand until they match exactly. More details on cutting rockers can be found in this plan.

Attach with 1" screws from inside of the reindeer's legs. NOTE: You may wish to clamp the rockers on first and test how the reindeer balances, and reposition until it balances just right.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Toys