Building a Roundabout (Merry-go-round)

Intro: Building a Roundabout (Merry-go-round)

I read with interest the https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Disassemble-a-Merry-Go-Round/ It is impossible to buy a good merry-go-round. So I thought I share my old project were I build a Merry-go-round or roundabout.

My son likes roundabouts, roundabouts are expensive to buy and you do not get much for your money.

Time to get building …

STEP 1: Materials

* An axle
* A circular piece of wood
* Screws
* More Screws
* Paint

The first two items I acquired using Freecycle. Freecycle is a a worldwide network of "gifting" groups, aiming to divert reusable goods from landfills.  Thanks to Aya and Richard (from Freecycle) for the chair and dining room table.


A chair gives a nice axle. The dining room table a nice circular piece of wood.

STEP 2: Building

The dinning table was a circular table which could be expanded out to an oval shape. I used these extra leaves to level the base. Then screwed to this the old table top.

STEP 3: The Base

Next give the table top a good sanding and paint. I also made a step/base around the roundabout.

Alas I had to buy some timber, which took the budget up a little. It was not too bad as B&Q cut the panels to size. The base is made in four quarters, so can be easily stacked away. In total there are legs (7 x 4) legs plus 5 anchor points for the securing the base. Thanks to PVG for lending me his saw to cut 33 legs.

I found some cheap (£2.50) children's chairs which were mounted on top.

STEP 4: Painting and Final Inspection

The only thing left to do was paint it and do have the quality controller complete a final inspection

STEP 5: Finished

Alas this roundabout is no longer. The wood only lasted three years outside, If I was building again I would treat the wood better. (or at least some treatment!). I had to hunt around for photos of the roundabout in use! I do have some very early videos on DVD of the boys playing and pushing each other.

Comments

[AndrewS12]

Good work. I had the same problem with the wood not lasting outside. I think the flat surface contributed even though it was painted. A few images of my version are attached.

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.d.sullivan.5/media_set?set=a.2071375832657.257114.1492717342&type=1

[Tommycat7]

I have two questions. First what was the thickness of your round table? Second how did you get it to spin

[anasdad]

Nicely done, and you are correct about the bearings on most Lazy Susans; they are meant for slow turning. I tried this with several Lazy Susans and it didn't last too long...

[Twotim221]

A large lazy susan bearing would have saved you some work.

[bmsleight]

Did not know about lazy Susan bearing until now.

[Monomann]

Cool. And the puking begins!

[incensedpanther]

Did you have any issues with the kids falling off the red base?

[J-Five]

Ahhh,
HOW CUTE!!!!

[jackfeldman4]

nice

[woodvale035]

all you need now is an electric motor, to power it round, old battery tools run froma car battery should get them moving.!!!
great project...

[canida]

Cute! A great project.

[kelseymh]

That intro picture makes it look like somebody has been going around and around and around and around and around and around for just a little bit too long :-) Very cool project!