American Girl DIY Swing Ride

With the American Girl Carnival coming up we have gotten a lot of requests for swings. I am always up for a challenge and since swings are one of my favorite rides, I thought it would be fun to add them to the carnival scene. This is one of the simpler build, so don’t let this project scare you. If you are planning a carnival themed birthday, this would be a fun addition to the party! Along with the ferris wheel coming up! So stay tuned!

Watch and give a thumbs up!

Related Posts:

American Girl Carnival

DIY American Girl Ticket Booth Craft

DIY American Girl Test Your Strength Game

DIY American Girl Carnival Games

Shopping List:

• 1 – 1/2” Hex Bolt @ 4 1/2” – http://amzn.to/1RB29Of
• 4 – 1/2” x 2” Washers – http://amzn.to/1RB13Cm
• 1 – 1/2” Lock Nut – http://amzn.to/1RB1cWg
• Picture Frame Hooks (You will need 18 hooks total) – http://amzn.to/1UTmOAd
• 1 – 1/2” MDF @ 2′ x 4′
• 1 – 3/4” MDF @ 2′ x 4’
• #12 Chain @ 10’ ( You will only need about 7 1/2’ total) – http://amzn.to/1SNwKaC
• 1 – Wood Glue – http://amzn.to/1SNxiNv

Cut List:

Lower Half of Swing:

• 4 – 3/4” MDF @ 3” x 2 1/2” – Lower Center Supports – Drill 1/2” hole through center of top two center supports.
• 1 – 1/2” MDF @ 24” x 20 13/16” – Base – Follow Step 1 Diagram to complete.
• 2 – 3/4” MDF @ 10” x 4 1/2” – Sides of Lower Supports
• 2 – 3/4” MDF @ 10” x 2 1/2” – Front and Back of Lower Supports

Upper Half of Swing:

• 4 – 3/4” MDF @ 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” – Upper Center Supports – Drill 1/2” hole through center of bottom two center supports.
• 2 – 3/4” MDF @ 10” x 2 1/2” – Front and Back of Upper Supports
• 2 – 1/2” MDF @ 10” x 4” – Sides of Upper Supports
• 1 – 3/4” MDF @ 24” x 20 13/16” – Top Roof – Follow Step 1 Diagram to complete.

Swings:

• 3 – 1/2” MDF @ 6 1/2” x 5 1/2” – Back of Swings
• 3 – 1/2” MDF @ 6 1/2” x 6” – Bottom of Swings
• 15 – 1/2” x 1/2” MDF @ 3 1/2” – Arm Rest Supports & Lower Front Swing Support
• 6 – 1/2” x 1/2” MDF @ 4 1/2” – Arm Rest
• 6 – 1/2” x 1/2” MDF @ 4” – Front Arm Rest Supports
• 3 – 1/2” x 1/2” MDF @ 5 1/2” – Front Swing Support

Step 1:

Follow the diagram to make a hexagon for the base and the roof.

Step 2:

These are the lower center supports. Make sure to drill a half inch hole in the center of the top two center supports as shown below. Attach the sides and back of the lower support. Leave one side open.  Use wood glue and pin into place.

Step 3:

Attach the lower support to the base. Make sure to center it.

Step 4:

These are the upper center supports. Make sure to drill a half inch hole in the center of the lower two center supports as shown below. Attach the sides and back of the upper support. Leave one side open.  Use wood glue and pin into place.

Step 5:

Now attach the center supports by inserting the half inch bolt through the middle. Make sure you have a washer above the upper center supports, two washers in-between the upper and lower center supports, and a washer below the lower center supports. Use a lock nut to tighten the bolt into place making sure the upper half spins freely.

Step 6:

Attach the top. Use wood glue and pin into place. Make sure it is centered. Add trim around the top if desired.

Step 7:

Close the upper and lower center supports by gluing and pinning the last pieces on.  See diagram below. Add trim around each side of the upper and lower center supports if desired. See finished picture for reference.

Step 8:

Build the swing seats as shown below.

Step 9:

Add the front swing supports as shown.

Step 10:

Spackle, sand and paint. I also used patterned scrapbook paper to give it a carnival like look.

Add picture frame hooks into the swing arm supports and the under part of the roof. Put chains into hooks so swings hang.