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Festive Projects | Christmas Sleigh and Reindeer

Festive projects - sleigh and reindeer

Festive Projects

In this article, learn how to make your own Christmas sleigh and reindeer. Watch our video or follow our step by step guide below.

Sleigh

Step 1

Prep your material. To get the piece of timber required for this project we laminated two bits of wood together to get a block of wood measuring 128 x 255 x 140mm (H x L x W).

Step 2

Draw out your template on block of timber.

Step 3

Cut out template on bandsaw (you can do this by hand using handsaw and coping saws).

We laminated two bits of wood together

Draw out your template and cut it out

You could also cut out the shape using handsaws and coping saws

Step 4

Once the main shape has been cut out you will then need to cut two side pieces away from the block of timber. Using the bandsaw fence cut a 25mm piece off either side of the sleigh. Set these aside for later.

Cutting the two side pieces away

Cutting the two side pieces away

Step 5

On the remaining block of timber mark up the waste material that you will cut out for the middle of the sleigh. Then cut it out.

Marking up, and cutting out, the middle of the sleigh

Marking up, and cutting out, the middle of the sleigh

Step 6

Cut off the bottom sled section of the sleigh and discard this waste material.

Step 7

Using a sanding power tool or just sanding paper. Sand out any machinery marks on all pieces of the sleigh.

Cutting off the bottom section

Sanding out machinery marks

Step 8

Glue up the main body section of the sleigh with the sleigh side panels. Clamp and leave to dry.

Step 9

Once the glue is dry, sand the sleigh again rounding off any sharp corners.

Adhesives

Axminster Parallel Jaw Clamp

Rounding off sharp corners

Step 10

Apply your finish of choice. You can paint it or leave it natural with a nice finishing oil, lacquer or wax


Reindeer

Step 1

Glue your reindeer template to your chosen timber. Using a PVA glue or Copy Dex glue this makes it easy to remove the template once you have finished cutting it out.

Step 2

Cut out your template on the scroll saw.

Glue your reindeer template to your chosen timber

Cut out your template on the scroll saw

The assembled project!

Step 3

Remove the template from your project and assemble.

Step 4

Finish the reindeer using your finish of choice. You could even paint the reindeer with colours.

Troubleshooting – This reindeer template slots together, therefore the thickness of your material may change how wide the slots need to be to make sure it all fits together.


Final thoughts...

These festive projects are all about creativity and craftsmanship – from building a charming Christmas sleigh to crafting elegant reindeer. Whether you’re making unique gifts or eye-catching decorations, the right tools will help you achieve professional results with ease. With precision cutting, dust-free sanding, and reliable performance, our featured products are here to inspire your next festive masterpiece. So, gather your materials, follow the steps, and let your imagination bring the season to life!

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Finally, if you've enjoyed reading this guide, why not take a look at some of our blogs.

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