Extended flat sections at the front and back ends of the rocker runners prevent the toy from flipping over during vigorous rocking.
Use a pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes on the underside of the seat panel, backrest, and structural cross-braces. If you do not have a pocket hole jig, you can screw directly through the outside of the monkey side panels into the seat, but you must countersink the screws deeply so the heads can be hidden with wood putty later.
Popularized by makers like Shawn Boyd (Boyd Design), these plans use clever joinery so the entire chair assembles with 6 bolts. This is ideal for apartment dwellers or craft fair sellers.
Ensure no sharp edges remain after painting. monkey rocker plans
Mark the location for the footrests near the lower front section of the body.
Sand everything with 120, then 220 grit. Pay extreme attention to corners and edges. Run your hand over every surface. If it scratches your palm, it will cut a child’s skin. Break all sharp edges with a roundover router bit (1/4” radius) or by hand sanding.
1 sheet of 3/4-inch Baltic birch plywood (highly recommended for stability) OR 1x12 hardwood boards (such as oak, maple, or poplar). Extended flat sections at the front and back
2-inch pocket hole screws or standard countersunk wood screws. Wood Glue: High-quality, non-toxic wood glue (PVA).
Switch to an orbital sander. Work your way through the grits: start with 120-grit to remove tool marks, move to 150-grit, and finish with 220-grit for a buttery-smooth surface. Wipe away all sawdust with a tack cloth. Step 4: Assembly
Connect the seat piece to one side panel using screws and wood glue. Popularized by makers like Shawn Boyd (Boyd Design),
Progressively sand all faces and edges using 80-grit, then 120-grit, and finish with 220-grit sandpaper until the wood feels smooth as silk. Wipe away all sawdust. Step 4: Dry Assembly
The monkey rocker gained popularity during the Great Depression and post-WWII eras. Woodworkers had limited access to expensive hardwoods but had plenty of scrap lumber. The monkey design was born out of necessity and whimsy.
Search for "Monkey Rocker Plans PDF" on Etsy today, or check your local makerspace for CNC access to cut your templates perfectly.
By following these plans and design considerations, you can create a reliable and functional Monkey Rocker for rock climbing and other applications. Always prioritize safety and precision when building and using this device.
Mark the center point of your rocker rails. Align them with the bottom structural supports of the monkey body. Use wood glue and countersunk 2-inch wood screws from the outside of the rails into the body.