Projects with Dad: Wooden Spiral Mobile

Wooden Spiral Mobile

This is a great project for a rainy afternoon. You will need just a few materials, and using the Ryobi One + tool system powered by Lithium Ion will make this project even easier. With over 50 attachments the One Plus series features all the tools you need and is exclusive to the Home Depot.

Materials Needed

3/4” x 8” or 10” x Length Desired Cedar Planking

Scrap piece of metal the same length to make a jig

1/4" Threaded Rod

2 - ¼” Nylon Lock Nuts

1 – Split Key Ring

1 – Snap Swivel (the kind used for fishing line)

18” of 10 – 15 lb test fishing line

Tools Needed

Ryobi One +Lithium Ion Starter Kit

Ryobi One + Orbital Jig saw

Safety Glasses

1/8” and 1/4” Multi material drill bits

End Wrench and Adjustable Wrench

Sanding Block

Begin by cutting the plank into the number of 3/4” strips needed for the height desired. (Approximately 32 for a 24” height, 15 were used in the one pictured) You will then make a jig using the scrap piece of metal and drilling a 1/4” hole in the center of the jig. This will be used as a template for drilling the wood pieces. Once you have drilled all of the cut pieces, place one of the ¼” Nylon Lock Nuts on the end of the threaded rod and slide each piece on until all pieces have been inserted. Cut the threaded rod to length and finish by tightening the other Nylon Lock Nut.

You will then drill a 1/8” hole through the Nylon Lock Nut and the threaded rod. At his point it is important to sand both sides to ensure a smooth finish. Although you may note the mobile pictured was painted, there is no need to paint or treat cedar as it is naturally water, insect, and rot resistant. Once the sanding is complete, you can trace the pattern for your mobile on the once again rectangular piece. A popular pattern is to take a large radius that terminates at the same point at the top and bottom and mirroring it on the other side. This is what created the mobile pictured. You can also create a number of unique patterns using your Ryobi One + Jig Saw. Sand the cut edges and you are ready to finish your Spiral Mobile.

Once this has been done, take the split key ring and wind it through the hole. You can then attach the nylon fishing line to the key ring and the snap swivel to the top. This will allow the mobile to spin in the wind without the cord twisting or breaking due to stress. Turn each piece until it meets the edge of the next until you have created your perfect spiral. You can then retighten the lock nuts if needed.