What Halloween décor isn’t complete without a Guillotine? This 1/6 scale version could make a nice centerpiece to your decorations. Just like the Addams family!

I couldn’t find free directions online so I did my best job of reverse engineering and scaling a 1790’s French style Guillotine. Note that the blade is real and therefore it is dangerous (see video). Although I’m only using it to cut carrots and other vegetables, it could potentially do some serious damage to your finger! If you want a safe version, I suggest making the blade from wood or plastic and not including the weights.

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

Table Saw
Sander
Drill Press
Drill bits
Wood clamps
Nail gun (optional)
Tape Measure / Ruler
Pencil

Materials:

1x6 by 4’ long
5 1/2" x 1/4" by 2' long
1/4" dowel by 4"
1/2" dowel by 1"
Eye hook
Pulley (x2)
String
Gorilla glue
Wood glue
Stain (optional)

Step 2: Top Level

You will be building to this drawing. Note that the parts are color coded for easy reference.

Step 3: Base

The base is used to support the structure. You will build it to this drawing.

Step 4: Base Parts

The common wood size for this gillotine is 3/4" x 3/4". At this point, cut multiple strips from the 1x6.

I used a table saw with the blade height set to 3/8" to cut the notches in the 16" base parts. The feet are optional.

Step 5: Assemble Base

Attach the base parts as shown. I used glue for all connections.

Step 6: Table

You will build the table to this drawing.

Step 7: Table Parts

Cut the legs and supports to the lengths shown. Again, I used a table saw to cut the notches. Cut the table top from the 1/4" hobby wood.

Step 8: Leg Assembly

Build two leg assemblies as shown. Make sure the legs are perpendicular to the supports. I used glue and clamps for the attachment.

Step 9: Assemble Table

Assemble the table as shown. Glue was used for all attachments. I also used nails for the braces and top.

Step 10: Blade Assembly

At this point, you will need to make a decision (safe or dangerous). If you chose the safe route, make the blade out of plastic or wood. Do not sharpen the edge of the blade. The spacer and counter weight should also be made from a light weight material. The dangerous route shown here uses steel for the blade, spacer and counter weight.

Step 11: Blade Assembly Parts

Cut the slide as shown. Add a small guide hole for the hook. You can either drill the two 1/4" holes now or wait and do the entire stackup (slide, spacer, blade & counterweight) at once. I recommend the latter to guarantee pin alignment.

Step 12: Blade Assembly Parts - Spacer & Counter Weight

Both of these parts are made from the steel. I used 3 sheets of 1/16" for the counter weight since I didn't have any 3/16" metal available. Again, make a decision on the 1/4" holes.

Step 13: Blade Assembly Parts - Blade

Cut the blade as shown from a 1/16" thick sheet of steel. Again, make a decision on the 1/4" holes. Note that it's easier to sharpen the blade at this point. I used an edge grinder to sharpen the blade.

Step 14: Blade Assembly

Use the pins to line up all the pieces. Bond the pieces together with a glue that is suitable for all the materials. I used gorilla glue and clamps to ensure a tight joint. Add small hook to the top.

Step 15: Upright Assembly

You will build the upright assembly per this drawing.

Step 16: Upright Assembly - Sides

Cut two 3/4" x 3/4" pieces to 20" long. Add a 3/8" deep x 1/4" wide slot down the length. As with the earlier pieces, I used a table saw with a 3/8" blade height.

Step 17: Upright Assembly - Top Support

Cut the top support as shown. Note that I deviated from this drawing and used three 1/4" pieces instead of making the notches on the ends. Drill a 1/4" diameter hole through the center.

Step 18: Upright Assembly - Pulley Support

Make the pulley support from a 1 1/2" by 3/4" thick piece. Add chamfers as shown. Next, add the holes. For the last step, cut the slot to 3/4" deep.

Step 19: Upright Assembly - Head Stock

I made the two pieces by starting with a 4.75" x 1.625" piece of 1/4" wood. The 3/4" hole was drilled through the center. I then cut the piece in half to create two pieces.

Step 20: Upright Assembly - Bottom Support

I started with a 1" wide piece for the bottom support. However, after I noticed how force was applied to the bottom head stock, I modified this piece so it would make additional contact with the base.

Step 21: Pulley - 2 Options

I'm showing two pulley options. The first version uses a 1/4" dowel and a spacer from a old k'nex set. I didn't really care for this option since the string would catch between the spacer and dowel. For a second solution, I modeled a pulley and had it 3D printed at my local library. The total cost for two pulleys was $0.50. I've included the STL and STP files here in case you want to print your own.

Step 22: Upright Assembly

Think ahead at this point. Everything except for the pulley assembly will be installed as shown. You might have noticed that all the pieces have an interference fit. This is acceptable for the top/bottom supports and the lower head stock. You will need to do a little sanding but these pieces should fit together tightly. However, the blade assembly and upper head stock should be free to move up and down the sides. I hand sanded the groove until the blade assembly easily dropped down the sides. Once everything is working properly, glue it together and add the pulley support.

Step 23: Ready to Assemble

You should be ready to put it all together at this point.

Step 24: Table Install

Attach table to the base with glue and nails. Note the location shown in the picture.

Step 25: Upright Assembly Install

Secure upright assembly to the base and table with glue and nails.

Step 26: Braces

Add the four braces to add additional support to the upright assembly. I used glue and a nail gun to attach.

Step 27: String and Handle

I used a 1/2" diameter dowel cut to 3/4" long. A 1/8" hole was cut through the center with a 1/4" counterbore on one side. The counterbore allows for the knot to be hidden.

Tie string to the hook on the blade assembly. Feed string through the upper and pulley supports and down the other end of the pulley support. Cut string so that the handle is close to the brace when the blade is fully lifted.