World's Smallest Rocking Horses – A Miniature Marvel
Instruction
These three intricately designed rocking horses were created for xTool’s “Make It Small” contest, pushing the limits of precision laser cutting. The largest horse is only about twice the size of a quarter, while the smallest one is tinier than a dime—possibly making it the smallest functional rocking horse ever made!
Each horse features fine detailing and delicate craftsmanship, proving that even the tiniest designs can hold immense charm and elegance. A true testament to laser-cut precision and micro-scale creativity, these miniature rocking horses showcase the potential of fine woodworking in a whole new way!
Prepare Your Material
• Use 3mm basswood plywood from xTool for this project.
• Ensure your plywood is clean and flat before proceeding.
Load the File
• Open Creative Space on your computer.
• Load the provided rocking horse design file into the software.
Engrave and Cut the Horses
• Begin by engraving and cutting the rocking horse pieces.
• You will also cut additional horse shapes without engraving—these act as spacers to add thickness to your final project.
Select Your Spacers
• Use as many spacers as you like to achieve the desired width for each rocking horse.
• Suggested spacer setup:
• Largest rocking horse: Use 2 spacers between the engraved horse pieces.
• Medium-sized rocking horse: Use 1 spacer between the engraved horse pieces.
• Smallest rocking horse: Use no spacers—just the engraved pieces.
Organize Your Pieces
• Once all pieces are cut, sort them by size before assembling.
• Group the engraved horses and spacers together to ensure you have the correct number of pieces for each size.
Glue the Pieces Together
• Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the spacers and engraved horse pieces as you stack them.
• Avoid using too much glue—this will prevent excess from squeezing out and creating a messy finish.
• Carefully align each piece to ensure there are no gaps or misalignments in the final shape.
Let the Glue Dry
• Set the assembled rocking horses aside to dry completely.
• Follow the drying time recommended for your glue to ensure a strong bond.
Clean Up the Pieces
• Once the glue has fully dried, check for any excess glue or residue.
• If needed, carefully remove dried glue using a damp cloth, fine sandpaper, or a precision knife.
• If there’s any residue left from the engraving process, clean the surface using your preferred method, such as a light methanol spray and brushing.
Seal and Display Your Rocking Horse
• Sealing (Optional but Recommended):
• To protect and enhance the wood, apply a clear sealant, wood oil, or polyurethane finish.
• Use a soft brush or lint-free cloth to apply the sealant in thin, even coats.
• Let it dry completely between coats if applying multiple layers.
• Final Touches:
• If needed, lightly sand any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper (400+) for a smooth finish.
• Polish the surface with a dry cloth to bring out the natural wood grain.
• Displaying Your Rocking Horse:
• Place it on a shelf, desk, or display case as a decorative piece.
• If making multiple rocking horses, arrange them by size for a tiered display effect.
Your project is now complete and ready to be enjoyed! 🎠✨