XD Custom Stretchers. (A how to.)

[kevrut]

I thought I'd show everyone how I make these stretchers. They're easy to make. I start with a 1/8" wooden dowell from WM.
I cut two pieces 5" long for the handles.
Two pieces 1.25" long for the cross pieces.
Four .5" pieces for the corner braces.
I just square up each piece in place and use Elmer's wood glue to hold it all together. I apply several coats of glue to make sure it's sturdy. Paint the ends of the handles brown. Then cut some material to cover the center. I attach the material with hot-glue.
<a href="http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000450md0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1851 ... md0.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>
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There are a few figures that can actually hold the stretcher with both hands.
<a href="http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000452ds0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/46/1000452ds0.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>
I also use the same method to make ladders. I made some for my 1960's Tonka Firetruck and R/R watertower.
<a href="http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1000455gx8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7790 ... gx8.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a>
Thanks, Kevin.

[immeww2]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[holensock]

This is a GREAT idea!!! Thanks, Kevrut!!

[steelbonnet]

Kev,

WOW mate that`s so cool & thank`s for sharing that. I`ll most certainly be doing ladders & a few Stretchers now

Ja
Steel Bonnet

[scope uk]

Thanks for sharing this how too i am definately going to give the ladder a go