This Christmas sleigh project was designed and built by bigjc12000, and it’s perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to any yard or home decor. With a few basic tools and materials, anyone can tackle this project, regardless of their woodworking experience.
Materials and Tools
- 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood
- Jigsaw
- Drill with 3/8 inch drill bit
- Pattern for sleigh design
- Measuring tape
- Clamps (optional)
- Wood screws
- Paint (optional for finishing)
Step 1: Prepare the Pattern
The first step in building the sleigh is to prepare a pattern. bigjc12000 mentioned getting a paper pattern from the Hallmark Channel, which can be a helpful resource. If you’re not an artist, you can have someone draw it to scale for you.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
Once the pattern is ready, trace it onto a piece of 3/4 inch plywood. The dimensions for the sleigh are approximately 3 feet by 5 feet. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut out the shape of the sleigh from the plywood. This will take some time and patience, as there will be quite a bit of cutting involved.
Step 3: Create Holes for the Jigsaw
To navigate around tighter curves, drill a hole in the plywood with a 3/8 inch drill bit. This allows you to insert the jigsaw blade and start cutting from inside the shape, which can make it easier to handle intricate designs.
Step 4: Cut the Sides
After cutting the first side of the sleigh, you can use it as a template to cut the second side. bigjc12000 emphasizes that it’s not necessary to achieve perfect symmetry; minor imperfections won’t be noticeable when the sleigh is displayed outside.
Step 5: Assemble the Sleigh
With both sides cut, it’s time to assemble the sleigh. Utilize scrap pieces of plywood to create the bottom, back, and a seat for the sleigh. The assembly process is quite straightforward, as it mainly involves fitting the pieces together and securing them with wood screws.
Step 6: Final Adjustments and Reinforcements
After the assembly, bigjc12000 suggests making adjustments to ensure that everything fits well. You may want to cut additional scrap pieces to reinforce the structure. This sleigh is a bit heavy, so ensure that it is sturdy enough to hold up.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
If desired, you can paint the sleigh to add a festive touch. bigjc12000 mentions that if you want the sleigh painted, you’ll need to disassemble it to reach all areas. A non-painted sleigh will be priced around $130, while a painted version may cost around $75 more.
Conclusion
Building a Christmas sleigh is a rewarding project that can bring joy to your holiday decorations. With a little patience and creativity, anyone can create their own sleigh just like bigjc12000. So gather your materials, follow these steps, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!