DIY Network

Rocking Dragon From "Special Presentation" episode DWNT-S

Gray Daniel loves all the wooden toys he creates, but a special favorite is this Rocking Dragon. "You take a classical toy like a rocking horse and add the fantastical element of the dragon," he said. "It's a little complicated but that's what makes it fun."

The rocker is the same as any rocking toy, with the body being the most complicated part. But Gray has a template, which makes the process easier. Then you have the legs and the rest is basically decoration.

Gray Daniel's final project on DIY's Wooden Toys special is this ...

fascinating, fun Rocking Dragon that any child will adore!

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	PDF Download Grid "Dragon" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 1 "Dragon" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 2 "Dragon" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 3 "Dragon" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 4 "Dragon" pattern.
	Thrill that special child in your life with this unique rocking dragon!

Materials:

Approximately 20' of 2" x 8" red oak
At least 20 feet of 1" x 8" red oak
7/8" dowels (2')
#0 wood joining biscuits
Carpenter's wood glue
Sandpaper
Polyurethane sealant.

Tools:

Table saw
Miter saw
Ban saw
Hand drill
Biscuit joiner
Mortise press
Wood sander
Several large adjustable clamps

Click, right, for the plans in PDF form. Simply print out and follow the instructions supplied, along with illustrations.

The PDF files are in order from Step 1 through Step 5. Note that the first PDF is the actual grid for the rocking dragon.

Here are a few tips to assist in constructing the rocking dragon:

• The dragon is a little under 4' from the nose to the tail.

• When gluing it's best to let is set up and dry overnight before taking off the clamps.

• To give the dragon depth and thickness, trace templates and cut "additional" layers for the head and torso.

• The legs for the dragon are cut out of 2" oak.

• Something to keep in mind with the legs is the grain, which should run "along" with the legs. Also, since the legs are the smallest pieces that will be supporting weight, be sure that the structure is such that they won't break. Gray says the material "won't" break if the grain runs the right way.

  Note: Gray designed this wooden toy to produce a "gentle" rock with substantial weight so it can't rock and fall back on the child.

• Glue can be applied to the wood with a roller or brush.

• When gluing and clamping the legs, be sure to let the glue set up for at least an hour, and before the clamps are removed you can sand the entire dragon.

• Use a carpenter's square to make sure the legs are flush and even.

• Gray used inexpensive, flat-backed craft-store gemstones for the dragon's eyes.

• To make sure the eyes line up, drill a small pilot hole all the way through the head.

• Use a Forstner or spade bit to drill eyeholes 1/8" deep for the gemstones.

• Once all four mortises (see the PDF instructions, please) are cut, the rockers are fitted, glued and clamped in place.

All of these toys are meant to be enjoyed and cherished for years. It's hard to beat the fun of building a wooden toy you've chosen for that special child!

GUESTS :

Gray Daniel
Wooden Toymaker and Designer

Wooden toymaker Gray Daniel's uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus was the inspiration for his decision to begin designing and building his own wooden toys for children. With a lifelong pursuit in professional woodworking, Gray has more than 20 years experience as a master scenery and props carpenter, working in theaters across the South and East Coast. In addition to building stage scenery, wooden furniture and props for hundreds of theatrical performances, he has been teaching his woodworking skills to university students since 1990 -- currently at West Virginia University, in Morgantown, WV.

A master builder behind the scenes, he also has experience in front of the camera, appearing as an actor in television commercials, instructional training films and more than 200 stage performances -- including professional, community and collegiate theatrical productions.

Over time as his waistline and white beard have grown, so have the number of annual calls he receives to play the role of St. Nick. Several years ago this hobby of playing Santa inspired him to focus his woodworking skills on toy making. Today, physical likeness or not, he prefers to spend his time designing and crafting new and exciting wooden toys to delight children of all ages.

Website: www.Santaswoodentoyshop.com