620 chapter 66
CP PLYWOOD FRAME WHEELCHAIR
This can be easily built by someone with
basic carpentry and welding skills. Positioning aids
(head rest, hip pads, etc.) can be easily added. The
chair can be designed to meet a child’s particular
needs. For example, if the child sits well without
extra support, the tops of the side pieces can be
removed to allow more freedom of movement.
A plywood frame is a low-cost alternative to
metal. However, if not made well, or if left
out in the rain, the chair may weaken and the
plywood can split. As with any wheelchair, it must
be protected from misuse, periodically examined
for weaknesses, and promptly repaired.
For active children the wheelchair can be
strengthened by reinforcing all joints and by adding
strong hubs and axles (see p. 623).
See model on p. 621
SIMPLE
MODEL
HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHAIR
1. Review drawings of chair and adaptive equipment.
2. Cut out the two side pieces to the same shape; sand
with sandpaper.
3. Cut out back support, seat, and bottom piece of chair;
sand with sandpaper.
4. Screw or nail seat and bottom piece to back piece.
5. Screw or nail side pieces to seat, bottom, and back.
6. Check that all pieces are lined up straight. Then add glue
and more screws or nails for strength.
7. Cut out footrest and guide brackets for footrest.
8. Screw or nail guide brackets to side pieces under seat.
9. Bolt front casters to chair and assemble rear axle tube.
10. Drill holes in side pieces for axle tube; mount tube and
rear wheel.
11. Let glue dry 1 to 2 days; check for strength of all wood
joints.
These measurements are
for a 4 to 8-year-old child.
30 cm.
MATERIALS NEEDED
••••
3/8” plywood (1 sheet)
20” bicycle wheels (2)
small caster wheels (2)
1/2 steel tube (66 cm.
•••••
long)
wood glue
sandpaper
screws
nails
1/2” by 1/4”
wood
strips
(6 x 46 cm. long)
BACK SUPPORT (1)
46 cm.
SIDE PIECES (2)
30 cm.
40 cm.
35 cm.
BOTTOM
PIECE (1)
SEAT(1)
FOOTREST
BRACKETS (6)
(1/4”
to 1/2”)
46 cm.
53 cm.
FOOTREST (1)
Disabled village Children