The Family-strength Highchair

(Page 3 of 3)

March/April 1986
By the Mother Earth News staff 
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The dimensions we used for the tray were acquired by tracing around a commercial unit; you might find it easier to do the same, rather than try to work from the drawing. The catches are made from filed-down 1/4" carriage bolts with nuts and compression springs. The 3/4" stock in which they ride also helps brace the tray and limit warping. When drilling the braces, first bore the 9/16" hole, as shown in the drawing. Then use the center hole left by the 9/16" bit to start the 1/4" hole. The chair arms make a handy jig for positioning the braces on the underside of the tray.

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Once you've assembled the tray, you can use it to locate the holes in the arms. Remove the carriage bolts from the braces, and set the tray down on the arms so that the holes are 9" in front of the seat back. Push a 16d nail through each hole, and give it a light tap to mark the spot. You can repeat the process three more times at 1" intervals, and then bore the 1/4" X 3/8"-deep holes.

FINI

Finish is a matter of personal preference, but the abuse that a highchair sees offers a compelling argument for polyurethane varnish. A coat of Minwax natural stain beforehand will help make up for the finish's lack of grain enhancement. We used three coats of satin polyurethane varnish over the stain.

If you're just starting a family, now's the time to put your youngster in a highchair of your own crafting. This design should be durable enough to survive a growing brood. And if you wait till the younger brothers and sisters arrive, you'll no doubt be hard-pressed to find the time to build it!

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  • Pablo Grabiel 2/14/2009 2:47:24 AM

    You know, a PDF version of the plans and instructions shure would be helpful.

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