A WELL-SPRUNG ROCKING HORSE

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There are two equally acceptable ways to laminate the 2-by stock for the horse's body, legs, saddle and head. If you have a 5" long, 1/2" auger, brad-point or Forstner bit, you can clamp the pieces, drill through all three at the same time and then glue a dowel all the way through. (Hint: Bore just until you see the tip of the bit poking through the other side. Then come in from that side to get a clean hole.) Otherwise, you can set No. 12 X 1 1/2" wood screws from each side in 1/2" holes you fill later with hole plugs.

Whichever approach you use for laminating the body, the 1 1/4" closet rods on which the horse is hung must pass all the way through. Unless you happen to have an appropriate auger 8r Forstner bit, both of which are expensive, you'll need a 1 1/4" spade bit. Spade bits, though inexpensive, are prone to make ragged holes unless you take precautions. The best approach is to file down the cutting surface, except at the very outside, as shown in the illustration. Lower the inner cutting edge about 1/16", maintaining the same angle, using a small flat or triangular file. This "improved" spade-bit profile will slice the circumference of the hole before the main cutting edge begins to "hog out" material.

Trimmings

As dashing a profile as this steed strikes in bare wood, it just doesn't quite come alive without ears, mane, tail and your favorite breed's paint scheme. We snipped out some ears from leather and unraveled pieces of rope for mane and tail. Cotton line is softest, but stiffer hemp or polyester rope stands up better. Paint is a matter of equine preference, but be sure to use nontoxic coatings on any nursery item you build.

Of course, when you watch an eager child leap aboard without a second glance, you've got to wonder whether all the cosmetic trappings are really for the children. It's only we adults who've been around long enough to wax nostalgic about horses and rocking horses. But then, why shouldn't we enjoy the toy too?

Editor's Note: If you're interested in getting involved in the art of rocking horse construction—carving, paint schemes, leather harnesses—check out Anthony Dew's book, Making Rocking Horses (Sterling Publishing Co., New York, NY).

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