Guard Tower Tutorial.pdf

Guard Tower Tutorial

I have never done a tutorial before and I am trying it now by request. My intention is to show you how to

build a tower like these. I was going to post this in the forum, but because of the size, I am doing it as a

PDF. If you run into any problems or have any questions please let me know. So, let’s get started.

Supplies you will need:

Forster skinny sticks

Wood glue

Rubber cement (optional - for gluing the vertical pieces to the paper. You can also use wood glue but it is

harder to get off.)

Layout Template - assembly template, build right on the paper. [LINK]

Wood/Pattern sheet - cut out and glue to frame assembly. (I have several patterns to choose from. If you

would like a different pattern let me know.) [LINK]

Black thread (optional - for rope)

Match sticks - top walls.

Frame assembly:

8 - 4¾” planks for the vertical pcs.

12 - 2½” planks for the horizontal pcs. (Some of these will be cut smaller)

Layout template.

The template has black, green and red lines, this is the assembly order. We will start with the black. I

recommend gluing the vertical pieces to the paper (rubber cement is best). This keeps every thing lined up

and stable.

Align the verticals with the edge of the black lines (outer edges and bottom). Attach the horizontal pieces

on top of the verticals. Use the horizontal lines as guides.

If using “skinny sticks” there will be a 2” space between the bottom and middle, and the middle and top.

Repeat for the other three sections.

Now we can do the GREEN lines. If you would like to miter the joints, you will need to check the length

and angle for each piece.

As an option you can just use squared off ends. (Especially if you are going to tie the joints.)

Finish the green lines and allow to dry. [In the picture below you can see that some of the wood sticks out.

If possible I prefer to do this then cut off the excess. I think you get a better fit.]

Now for the RED. Measure the angle and length for each section. (If you like you can do this for the sides

also.)

Because this section is elevated you will need a spacer to hold the wood in place until dry.

The completed frame should look like this.

Allow to dry and remove from paper. Trim any overhangs, sand if you like. If you want to stain or paint, I

would recommend that you do it now.

This next step is optional. It is the “ropes” that appear to tie everything together. (I decided not to use the

rope on mine.)

You will need about 6” of thread for small (simple) joints and 12” for larger joints. Put glue on the inside

of the joint and lay one and of the thread in it.

Okay, this can get messy. Wrap the thread 5 or 6 times around one piece then go around the other piece 5

or 6 times. ( you can do more or less turns, it just depends on the effect you want.) End back in the glue

and trim the thread.