Around a branch of a large elm and 18 or 20 ft. from the tree trunk was looped a 10-ft. length of chain and to the hanging end of this was made fast a 1-in. rope nearly 10 ft. longer than was needed to reach the ground. Directly beneath the point where the chain went around the limb, as determined by a plumb bob, was set a 6-in. piece of cedar post 3¹⁄₂ ft. into the ground. This was sawed off square 2¹⁄₂ ft. above the ground. Into the top of this post was set a ¹⁄₂-in. rod, to serve as a pivot for the swing. It was set in firmly about 6 in. and projected about 3 in. from the top of the post.
The Circular Swing will be Found Very Safe and Pleasurable, but, as is the Case of an Ordinary Swing, Anyone Careless Enough to Get in the Way of It will Get Badly Bumped
A straight-grained piece of pine board, 15 ft. long, 8 in. wide, and 1 in. thick, was procured and a hole bored in one end large enough to make it turn freely on the pin in the upper end of the post. Two holes were bored in the other end of the board large enough to admit the rope. The first hole was 6 in. from the end, and the second hole, 3 ft. The hanging end of the rope was passed down through one of these holes and back up through the other and then made fast to itself about 3 ft. above the board after the board had been adjusted so that it would swing throughout its length at the height of the post, or 2¹⁄₂ ft. from the ground. The swing was then complete except for a swivel, which was put in the rope within easy reach of one standing on the board, so that it could be oiled.
One good push would send the board with a boy on the end three or four times about the 90-ft. circle. The little fellows would like to get hold of the board in near the post and shove it around. Once started, it could be kept going with very little effort.
In putting up such a swing, make sure to have the post set solidly in the ground, as it has a tendency to work loose. Tie all the knots tightly. Do not look upon the swivel as unnecessary. The first swing I put up was without one, and the rope twisted off in a few days.
It is not necessary to climb a tree; just throw a stout cord over the limb by means of a stone or nut tied to the end, then haul the rope and chain up over the limb with the cord. Before the chain leaves the ground loop the end of it and pass the cord through the loop. The higher the limb from the ground the better the swing will work, but 25 ft. will be about right.
Hand-Operated Motorboat Whistle
Bellows Operated by Hand for Blowing a Whistle on a Power Boat