How to Build My Own Glider Rocker Bearings

A glider rocker is a chair that moves with a forward and backward sliding motion. The chair is attached onto the side supports of the base, which are attached to a rocker arm. Rocker arms also are attached to the main base unit. This will keep the base unit and chair stable to allow the sliding motion to occur. You can make your own glider rocker by constructing the sliding base from premade plans.

Print out the drawings from the Rocker Base Plans (see Reference). The base consists of six pieces that you will need to fabricate.

Transfer the drawing labeled part “A” onto the 3/4-inch sheet of plywood with a ruler and a pencil. Cut the shape from the plywood with a jig saw. This part measures 8 1/4 inches long by 10 5/8 inches wide. Repeat this step to cut a matching part from the plywood.

Transfer the drawing labeled Part A onto your plywood, and then cut out the shape. Repeat this step to make Part B, Part C and two matching pieces for Part D.

Mark the location of the mounting holes on each part. Sand the edges of each part with the sandpaper.

Measure the 1-inch dowel to 12 1/4 inches using your tape measure. Cut the dowel into two 12 1/4-inch pieces with the circular saw.

Place Part A horizontally on top of Part C. Drill pilot holes into each part using the power drill and secure with screws.

Insert each end of the 12 1/4-inch dowels into a rocker arm. Secure the rocker arms to the dowels using screws.

Attach the pieces for Part A onto the end of Part C and under the edge of Part B. Secure Part A to Part C and Part B with screws.

Position the rocker arms on the inside of Part A and secure with screws. Place the pieces for Part D onto the rocker arms and secure the bearings. The bearings allow the base of the glider rocker to move.