Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 06, 2004 08:38pm | #1

   Byron,

   Poplar is a little softer than some hardwoods but it would be fine for the body and legs as long as the joinery was appropriately sized. 

   For the rockers, poplar would be usable as long as you made the rocker bar fairly substantial, a curve cut along one edge of a 1 1/2" by 4" board for example.  If the rocking horse got a lot of use, a poplar rocker bar might eventually wear down and need reshaping or replacement. 

   If you wanted the rockers to be a slim bow shape, you would be better off using a tougher hardwood like oak.

   Good Luck, John W.

2. 
   bmwz3coupe | Apr 07, 2004 04:54am | #2

   If it is to be used by more children down the road I would use cherry and finish natural, Cherry makes for a beautiful project.

3. 
   CajunDan | Apr 08, 2004 08:25pm | #3

   I am guessing from your post that you are relatively new to woodworking.

   It is perfectly understandable to want to avoid spending big bucks on hardwoods like cherry and walnut at first. Most of us were.

   However, an item like a rocking horse will become a family heirloom, especially if it is one of your first pieces. Therefore, I recommend you use as durable a hardwood as possible, so that many generations of children will enjoy it. Oak, walnut, cherry, maple, ash are all appropriate woods.

   Please pardon my preaching.

   Regards,

   Dan

4. 
   10fingers | Apr 08, 2004 08:39pm | #4

   I made the first rocking horse for my granddaughter out of maple and purpleheart.  It was more of a rocky horse.  There was a small arc in the rockers.  She could rock in saftey.   My wife painted the eyes on the horse.  It was basically flat stock with the outline of a horse.  I got the plan from a Popular Woodworking magazine.  I have read that hard maple is safe enough for a child to chew on without getting sick.  I am unsure if the poly finish is safe. 

   My granddaughter is now 4 1/2.  She saw a book I had on making rocking horses.  I had to promise to make a large one that is fully shaped.  It is funny how she can get me to make things for her.  I plan to use either some 8/4 maple I have or the mesquite tree I have drying behind the shop.  I have my summer cut out for me.

   There are many places to find plans for rocking horses.  I would suggest that the first one for a young child be simple and low to the floor.  They look neat when the child puts a teddy bear on them and still plays with the horse.

   Have fun.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/8/2004 1:46 pm ET by Chuck

1. 
   Byron | Apr 08, 2004 10:35pm | #5

   Thank you all for giving me advice.  I am somewhat new to woodworking.  I have been woodworking for about 3 years now and have made about 8-10 pieces of furniture. I was trying to avoid a cost issue with my spouse.  She would say buying one would be cheaper if I used a prefered wood or one that I would want to use.  Thanks again.

1. 
   darbywoods | Apr 09, 2004 03:57am | #6

   if you take a look at ash it should be not much more than popular.  it is ALOT harder than popular.  but if I was making one, I would use cherry for my daughter.  I love how it darkens over time.  now that I have just adjusted her Barbie's arm down I can get back to my thoughts..  a good contrast would be a ash or maple horse, cherry seat and walnut bridal.

   just remember you usually can buy it cheaper than you can make it for, but tell your wife if you make it to last, you keep it at your house and then her grandchildren can come over and play out it in 30 years.

   and do not forget to get a new tool out of this project also

   David

   http://WWW.Darbynwoods.com