Building a Seesaw
There are few kids that don't love seesaws, and having one built in their own backyard is a true treat. Surprise your kids with this easy to make seesaw this weekend.
Get two 2 x 8 inch boards (from wood that can withstand the outdoors), two posts, a sheet of sandpaper, quick-drying concrete, 1" galvanized pipe, 1/4" metal dowels, galvanized screws, marine rope, drill, jigsaw, circular saw, lead-free oil based paint and a paintbrush.
Find a flat surface in your backyard that is clear of any obstructions. Make the seatboard by cutting one of the 2 x 8 boards to 9 ft. in length, and cut the other 2x8 to make the baseboard.
To make the vertical posts, take two 2x8's and cut them to 4 feet long. Sand the edges. Dig two holes in the ground, making sure they're at least 4 feet deep (a bit deeper in areas that get a lot of frost) and 1 inch wide. Stick the vertical posts into the holes, and put concrete into the holes so that the posts are secure.
To make your notches, carve U-shaped notches 2 inches deep into the center of the braceboard and at the top of the upright boards with your jigsaw. Turn the braceboard with the notches facing downwards and attach them to the top of the seatboard's upper side, driving in galvanized screws at intervals of about 6 inches.
To make the pivot bar, take the galvanized pipe, and put it into the notch, making sure that some of the pipe hangs over on either side. To make sure the pivot bar is secure, drill holes into both of the uprights and secure them with dowels.
You're going to make the handles out of marine rope. Drill two holes about 16 inches from the end of the seatboard. String the rope through the holes and tie securely. Singe the ends.
Go over any rough edges with sandpaper. Once you're satisfied, paint your masterpiece!
