Introduction: How to Make a Toy Ankylosaurus by Zachary White
Follow these instructions to make your own wooden toy Ankylosaurus, or whatever animal you want.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Machines:
Band saw
Drill press
Router table - 1/4" round over bit
Tools:
Wood
Wood glue
Matt board
Wheels and axles
Paint
Safety glasses
Sandpaper
Step 2: Find a Photo of an Ankylosaurus
Print it out to size that will fit on your Wood
Use a photo that can be understood by it's silhouette
Use a picture that is a side view, rather than an action view
Step 3: Print Out the Photo and "cartoonify" It
Print it to the right size, and use a marker to either amplify or decrease the features of the animal, so it looks better without the details inside the silhouette
Step 4: Cut Out Your Drawing Onto Mattboard or Card Stalk
Trace your picture onto mattboard and cut it out
Draw dots in place for axle holes
Step 5: Cutting the Toy From Wood, Drilling Axle Holes, and Routering Edges.
Tape the template onto wood, then cut it out using the band saw.
Be sure to wear safety glasses
This may take as long as half an hour depending on how curvy the template is
Measure the size of your axles and use the same sized drill bit for the drill press, and cut where you marked earlier. Place a piece of wood below the animal so you don't damage the machine.
Use a 1/4" round over bit for the router table and router the edges of your animal.
Step 6: Sand the Animal
Start with 80 grit and work up to at least 300
Use 80 to remove rough spots and unwanted or tiny things
Smooth it out using the higher grits.
Step 7: Paint And/or Stain Your Animal
Use paint to add details like eyes or just color
Don't paint the whole animal; a wooden toy should look like wood, not paint
If you want, you can stain the wood to add color without covering it in paint
Step 8: Glue in Axles and Wheels
Glue the axles inside the holes with wood glue. The axles should not spin, and the wheels should not be glued.
Step 9: That's It
Now that you're done, do whatever you want with it.
