Springtime Whirl Carousel
Instruction
Springtime Whirl Carousel is a delightful Easter-themed carousel created for the 2025 Easter Contest using xTool Basswood plywood. This intricately designed piece features adorable chicks, ducks, and bunnies circling the base, with engraved Easter eggs and playful patterns wrapping around the structure. The top showcases a festive egg-shaped finial and panels engraved with classic Easter symbols like a bunny and a basket of eggs.
The smooth, precise cuts and natural tones of the basswood enhance the detailed craftsmanship, capturing the playful spirit and charm of Easter. Perfect as a centerpiece or a seasonal decoration, this carousel brings the magic of spring to life.
1. Open Creative Space and load the project file.
2. Select your material. For this project, I used xTool’s PL002 3mm Basswood Plywood.
3. Check your settings before engraving and cutting. Adjust the preset settings as needed based on your laser’s power.
4. Ensure compatibility. This project was created on the xTool P2s but can be cut on any of xTool’s desktop lasers.
5. Cut your pieces.
TIP: When you cut the Egg Topper pieces, without moving the plywood, flip the two engraved Egg Topper pieces (as seen in the image above) and engrave the back sides. This will allow the engraving to be uniformly engraved all around when the pieces are assembled.
Arrange the pieces exactly as shown in the project file to ensure proper alignment and fit.
1. Identify the Parts:
• The Middle Stem consists of 5 panels.
• Each panel has legs—one side is much longer than the other.
• Locate the two hexagon pieces shown in the reference image.
2. Assemble the Stem:
• Insert the longer legs of the panels into the larger round piece.
• Apply a small dab of glue in the center where the legs protrude.
• Slide the smaller round piece onto the stem, pressing it firmly against the glued area.
3. Let It Dry:
• Set the assembled piece aside to fully dry before moving on.
1. Assemble the “Bottom” Section:
• Identify the widest section with 20 panel pieces.
• Glue and assemble the pieces.
• Set aside to dry before moving on.
2. Assemble Rotator Pieces
• Identify - The top side of the Bottom Piece has a 3" hole while the bottom has a much larger hole.
• Locate and Identify the Middle Stem and the three circular pieces with 6 slots that align together. Two of the circular pieces will be the same size. The other one is smaller.
• Place the Stem on a flat surface with the longer legs facing upward. Feed one of the larger circular pieces onto the legs. Then take the 3" circular piece and feed this one next. This 3" piece will fit perfectly into the hole on the top of the base.
• Place the base on top feeding the 3" hole through the 3" circular piece. Next, take the remaining circular piece and feed this onto the legs. You should now have the 2 larger circular pieces sandwiching the smaller 3" circular piece. This will allow the carousel to turn.
• When gluing these pieces, only glue the last piece to the middle piece. Be sure to get no glue on the edges as this would prevent the carousel from turning.
• Flip the base and middle stem as shown in the image.
• Set aside to dry before moving on.
1. Insert the Animals:
• Apply glue to each animal piece and insert them into the 6 holes on the Inside Top section.
• If desired, arrange them in a specific order. For mine, I mirrored the pattern of 1-3 with 4-6.
2. Attach the Middle Stem:
• Feed the top piece through the 6 slots.
• Securely attach it to the Inside Top piece.
3. Finish the Inside Top Piece
• Feed the 20 small panel pieces in place and secure the top piece.
4. Let It Dry:
• Set the assembled piece aside to dry completely before handling.
1. Assemble the “Outside Top” Section:
• This section contains 6 panels.
• Glue and assemble all pieces.
• Set aside to dry.
2. Glue the Outside Top Section to the top of the carousel.
• Align and glue the Outside Top section to the Inside Top section.
3. Install the Egg Topper:
• Glue the two Egg Topper pieces together.
• Insert the stem of the Egg Topper through the Outside Top section.
• Apply glue to secure it firmly in place.
4. Allow to Dry:
• Set the fully assembled carousel aside to dry completely before handling.
1. Check and Clean:
• Once the glue is fully dry, remove any excess glue for a clean finish.
2. Apply a Finish:
• Choose your preferred wood finish and apply it evenly.
3. Test the Rotation:
• Ensure the carousel spins smoothly—if assembled correctly, it should rotate freely.
4. Enjoy Your Carousel!
PS. As a little treat, I took a picture of the Easter Carousel next to the Make It Small Carousel. This is a completely new design. Check it out.