1. Review the diagram and draw the outline of a seat support, backrest support, and armrest onto cardboard. Cut out shapes with sharp utility knife to create templates.
2. Outline 3 seat and backrest supports by copying template (see page 162) onto one of the 2"x4"x8' boards. Cut out pieces with jigsaw, sand, and attach one seat support to each backrest support using glue and 3" stainless steel screws. Trace armrests, cut out, and sand smooth.
3. Use table saw to rip 1"x10"x10' board into six 1 1⁄2" strips. Use miter saw to cut strips into sixteen 40" seat slats. Use remaining wood to cut three 39" slats.
4. Use miter saw to cut 2"x4"x8' into two 39" bottom support rails.
5. Use table saw and miter saw to create two 1 1⁄2"x2 5⁄8"x8 3⁄4" arm uprights.
6. Position the 3 seat and backrest supports on bottom support rails, one on each end and the third in center. From the underside, predrill and countersink holes for screws. Secure with 3" stainless steel screws.
7. Align an arm upright with the front bottom support rail on each side. The 2 5⁄8" face should be flat against the support rail. Predrill, countersink, and secure with 2 1⁄2" stainless steel screws.
8. Position armrests on uprights. Inside edge of armrest should be flush with inside face of upright arm support. Overhang front of armrest 1 1⁄2" beyond front of upright. Predrill screw holes and countersink for screws. Secure armrest to upright with 2" wood screws. To attach rear end of armrests to back supports, predrill hole through outermost back supports into edge of each armrest and secure with lag bolts.
9. Attach seat slats, starting at the crook of seat and back. Predrill, countersink, and secure each slat to each support with a 2 1⁄2" screw. Slats will overhang end supports. Use 3 shorter slats at armrest uprights. Similarly, attach backrest slats.
10. Mark locations for chain holes through armrests. Position front hole
3" from front of armrest and 3⁄4" from outside edge. Position rear hole
1 1⁄2" from rear end of armrest and centered on armrest. Drill 4 holes using
7⁄8" wood-boring bit.
11. Mark location for eye-bolt lag screws (for attaching chains) 3⁄4 inch from bottom of front and rear bottom support rails, in line with holes through armrests. Predrill and attach eye-bolt lag screws on both sides of swing.
12. Install hooks into ceiling joist or beam and attach chains between hooks and eye-bolt lag screws, through holes in armrests. Adjust chain length until swing is balanced. Seat height should be comfortable for getting onto and off swing yet high enough to keep feet from dragging on the ground.
Excerpted from Cultivating Life by Sean Conway (Artisan Books). Copyright 2009.
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