Building Set - Part 4 - The swing set and teeter totter.

For the swing set and teeter totter, you will need:

5' - #16 jack chain
6 -1" rings  (from the craft store)
2 - 2" rings  (from the craft store)
6 - 5/8" eye screws
1 - 4" long piece of dowel
1 - 3' x 4" x 1/4" aspen or balsa wood board
2 - handles or drawer pulls w/screws
 

Cut the teeter totter and swing seat

Cut the board into two pieces.  28" for the teeter totter.  The remaining 8" will be the swing seat. 

Using the picture as a guide, draw a pattern for the teeter totter seat.  Use a jig saw to shape both ends of the teeter totter.  This is optional but it makes it much easier to get your dolls to sit on it.

Sand and paint or stain the swing seat and the teeter totter. 

Assemble the teeter totter board: Attach the handles to the teeter totter, then turn it upside down and measure and mark the center of the board.  Center the 2 conduit straps over your mark and glue or screw them in place.  I used  E6000.  If you use glue, allow to dry thoroughly.

Build the frame using The Assembly Diagram and slip the 4" center cross piece through the conduit straps.  

Ta da!  
The teeter totter is done.

Prepare the Chain: Rather than cutting the chain, use 2 pliers to twist open the chain links to make the following pieces. Thread a 1" ring onto each open link and twist to close.

  • 2 - 16" (34 links) for the main swing chain
  • 2 - 6 links for the bar
  • 2 - 2 links for the rings 

 Open chain links to make the following pieces to complete the swing chain.

  • 2 - 10 links for the swing cross piece chain
On the main swing chain, count 11 links from the bottom and attach the open link on the swing cross piece chain. Close the link.
 
NOTE: I used #16 Jack Chain which I purchased, by the foot, at the local hardware store. If you use something different, your measurements and assembly may be different.

Assemble the swing seat: Attach 1 eye screw into each corner of the swing seat, approximately 1/3"-1/2" from the edges. You may need to drill tiny pilot holes. Open a link on the end of each swing chain and attach them to the eye screws.


Assemble the rings: Open a link on the end of each ring chain and attach a 2" ring. 
 
Assemble the bar: Attach an eye screw approximately 1/4" from each edge of the dowel. You may need to drill tiny pilot holes. Open a link on the end of each bar chain and attach to the eye screws.


Build the frame using The Assembly Diagram and slip the 1" rings over the top bars of the swing set.
Ta da!
The swing set is done! 



Craft at your own risk!