Stargazing/Nature Swivel Chair Base

Adding a swivel base to your favorite reclining camp chair can greatly increase enjoyment of outdoor activities like binocular stargazing, birding and nature observation.

Commercial and DIY options exist but tend to be expensive, complicated, and heavy. A pair of these were made over 15 years ago to view the Perseides meteor shower. The parts are readily available at the home center.

These have been in regular use for all the activities mentioned and work great. The base is easily removed for transport and relatively light in weight.

This instructable is more of a guide than a blueprint as it will need adjustment to fit your particular chair. By studying the photos and dimensions you should achieve outstanding results.

-one piece of exterior grade OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or plywood 3/4"×17" diameter.

-one piece of OSB or plywood 3/4"×13"×26".

-one turntable bearing (lazy susan type) about 12" round.

-four 3/4"×3"×3" corner brackets. Add an extra bend to secure chair to base.

-suitable screws to attach hardware to OSB.

Study the photos and materials list, then adjust the dimensions to suit your chair. Chairs that are low to the ground will be more stable and easier to turn using your feet.

The chairs can move a little side to side in the corner brackets. If this bothers you a couple screws in the chair tubes can be used. I just center the chairs before sitting. No additional fasteners means all you have to do is fold the chair to release it from the base. Simple.

A 1/4" roundover router bit was used to bullnose all edges.

One flange of the turntable is wood screwed to the round piece of plywood. The rectangular piece of plywood is then sheet metal screwed to the turntable. You may need to grind the points from the sheet metal screws to keep them from binding the turntable.

There is no finish on the exterior grade OSB, this has worked well in our dry climate. You may want to paint or seal if it will be used in wetter climates.