Steps
In this video, we teach you how to make an old-fashioned rope swing.
1. Cut a 1x8 piece of oak into two 16-inch long pieces. Glue and clamp the two pieces together to make the seat.
2. Brace the seat with another piece of wood screwed underneath.
3. Use a compass to draw the biggest circle you can on the board.
4. Using a drill/driver and a spade bit, drill a 1-inch wide hole through the middle to fit the rope.
5. Using a jigsaw, cut out the circle, then cut the design.
6. Sand the wood with 80-grit paper, and round over the edges.
7. Paint the seat to make your design.
8. Have a parent hang the swing. Choose a strong branch at least 6 inches thick.
9. Drill a 1-inch hole through the branch. (Don't just tie a rope around the limb or it will kill it and make the swing dangerous.)
10. Thread an eye bolt through the hole. Hold it on with a washer and two nuts to hold it on.
11. Tie the rope tightly around a metal thimble. Hook the thimble to the eyebolt with a clip.
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