Woodcraft Project Paper Plan to Build Merrilegs Rocking Horse - Material Not Included

Plans were easy to follow. The project came out great!

I built one of these out of red oak and walnut for my grandsons. I agree with the other reviewer that better than average woodworking skills are required and would add that a reasonably well equipped word working shop is necessary.The plan is a single sheet with three partial full sized perspective views, a small exploded view, some notes and a materials list.I used tracing paper to make a pattern for each shape, affixed the pattern with spray adhesive to one workpiece and cut it out on the bandsaw. After sanding the edge with a drill press mounted sanding drum, I used this piece as a pattern to rout each similar piece. Since 8/4 hardwood is harder to come by, I used 4/4 stock. This worked just as well but meant I had to do some additional lamination.To make the bevel at the top of the legs, I built a simple jig for the table saw and used a large dia. dado blade to make the cuts. This method could also be used with a router table. Unless you are a carpenter from the 19th century, I wouldn't try using a Rip saw as stated in the notes.I followed the plan closely with a couple of exceptions: I cut the legs shorter and added a walnut hoof at the bottom of each and I made the rockers and stringers 1 1/2 thick rather than 1 1/4.Overall, this is a excellent design, while the plans could be improved with better notes and drawings of individual pieces, figuring out how to make them work is well worth the effort.

I consider myself to be a intermediate woodworker/hobbyist and I found this plan a bit challenging. As long as I took my time and thought things out I did pretty good. I did learn from this project that tracing paper is a valuable tool. I did not add the hair or reins as that is my preference.

Do not buy. Take a picture of a horse an work from there.

I used these plans over 20 years ago to make a rocking horse for my nephews. I couldn't find the old plans and need to make another so I ordered. The plans were delivered amazingly quick and I have already started my project.

I purchased this for my husband. He is a tool & die maker and very competent with all types of tools. These are his comments: It is what he expected. This project is not for a novice. You have to make your own patterns, but that is not a problem for me. I am enjoying working on it.

To many parts/pieces.

Wish I had one diagram for each step instead of all on one