Seesaw project

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Kids seesaw project

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Central support plan and parts list

Throughout this project all measurements are given in both metric (mm) and standard imperial (ft and inches).

When selecting the wood for this seesaw project make sure that it is suitable for exterior use.
If you cannot source the exact wood sizes as shown in this project, then a near size will do as long as the tire hole will fit the central support unit..

Below is a list of all the parts which are basically a seesaw plank, a bit of lumber for the central support, a piece of galvanized water pipe, a bit of concrete, half a dozen bolts, some pipe clips and a car tire.
Used tires can sometimes be obtained free from tire stores.

The size of the tire used in this project is 175/70-14. That means the tire is 175mm (7") wide and has a hole diameter of 360mm (14"). You can use a different size tire, just as long as the width and hole size will accommodate the central support.

The parts list

A) Four pieces of 65mm x 45mm (1 1/2" x 2 1/2") wood which are 500mm (20") long for the vertical pieces of the central support unit.
B) One piece of 90mm x 45mm (1 1/2" x 3 1/2") wood which is 342mm (13 1/2") long for the spacer.
C) One piece of 20mm (3/4") galvanized water pipe which is 342mm (13 1/2") long for the pivot bar.
Note: Water pipe is measured by the inside diameter, so the actual overall diameter of the pipe will be approximately 27mm (1 1/8").
D) One piece of 190mm x 45mm (1 1/2" x 7 1/2") wood which is 3000mm (10ft) long for the seesaw plank.
E) Four pipe saddle clips (size to suit) to fix the water pipe (pivot bar) to the seesaw plank.
F) Four 12mm (1/2") galvanized carriage bolts which are 150mm (6") long.
G) A used car tire about 175mm (7") thick, 600mm (2ft) overall diameter and with (at least) a 360mm (14 1/8") hole diameter.
H) Some pieces of thin wood to cover the base of the tire so the concrete does not spill out.
I) A bit of gravel, sand and cement to make the concrete for the inside of the tire. You will need approximately 3/4 of a wheelbarrow-full, which will be about 6 spades-full of gravel, 4 spades-full of sand and 2 spades-full of cement (which is a ratio of 1 part cement, 2 parts sand and 3 parts gravel).
Mixing details are given in the instructions.

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