|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Puppet theatre
|
 |
|
Build this portable puppet theatre for your kids
|
|
|
By Rick Campbell, photos by Tracy Cox, illustration by Len Churchill
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interlocking slots are a cinch to put together, but stable enough to keep the playhouse safe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tackle the windows next. You can cut the openings with a jigsaw, but a tablesaw does a better job. Start by drawing window shapes with horizontal and vertical lines extending all the way to the edge of the panels. Next, make reference marks on your tablesaw fence relative to the leading and trailing edges of the saw blade. Position the fence for the first cut and you're ready to proceed. Turn on the saw, then plunge the panel over the raised blade using the reference marks on the fence and layout lines on the panels. Just be sure to keep your hands away from the area where the blade penetrates the plywood. Complete all four sides before using a jigsaw to finish off the area in the corners that couldn't be reached by the curved saw blade. If you're not comfortable making the initial cuts with a tablesaw, you can get a similar effect with a circular saw and a straightedge, working from the top of the panel.
For safety and appearance, round most of the edges on both sides of the panels using a 1/4"-rad. bearing-guided bit installed in a handheld router. Leave the bottom edge of the window openings and walls square for better stability. Finally, assemble the panels to see how everything fits.
The rails that support the fabric for the curtains and roof are made from two-inch-wide strips of solid wood. I used birch, but any material you have on hand will do just fine. Reduce the thickness of the material so it fits easily in the 3/4"-wide oval pockets prepared earlier, then roundover the edges with a 3/8"-rad. bearing-guided bit to match the ends of the openings. To prevent the rails from sliding out when playtime gets a little too rambunctious, cut 1/4"-deep notches on the ends to hook over the plywood panels.
Finishing Up
Finishing the playhouse involves making it safe. Prepare for painting by sanding all panels with 220-grit paper. Examine the edges for splintering. Splinters can break off, creating a potential danger for children. Remove any loose material and fill the voids with wood filler before resanding the area.
To brighten and protect the panels, I applied two coats of brightly coloured latex paint. Select a paint that's both washable and safe for children. As you work, avoid getting paint into the slots, where it can rub off on the opposing panels during assembly. If some does find its way into the openings, just scrape it off with a sharp chisel after it dries. I protected the rails with four coats of wipe-on polyurethane, but you can paint these as well if you prefer.
A sewing machine makes short work of the fabric panels for the curtains and roof. Sew sleeves on the ends of the roof panel and tops of the curtains to receive the wood rails. It's also a good idea to hem the edges to prevent fraying.
Assemble the plywood panels and install the curtains and roof. If you find the added thickness of the paint is making the panels difficult to fit together, try rubbing a wax candle inside the slot openings.
Your kids will be thrilled when they see what you've built in the shop. And rest assured that all your hard work guarantees you a front-row seat for the premiere performance at the new pint-sized theatre.
| You Will Need | | Part | Material | Size | Qty | | Side walls | Baltic birch | 1/2" x 34" x 43" | 2 | | Front wall | Baltic birch | 1/2" x 46" x 18" | 1 | | Roof peaks | Baltic birch | 1/2" x 46" x 18 1/2" | 2 | | Side ledges | Baltic birch | 1/2" x 6" x 22" | 2 | | Front ledge | Baltic birch | 1/2" x 6" x 46" | 1 | | Roof rails | birch | 3/4" x 2" x 29" | 3 | | Curtain rails | birch | 3/4" x 2" x 37" | 2 | | Roof | fabric | 2 yards | 1 | | Curtains | fabric | 2 yards front, 3 yards back | 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
