Introduction: How to Make a Wooden Toy
First step: Gather needed Materials
Bandsaw, for cutting out template and toy.
Drill press for drilling axle holes. Drill bits, You will size it in a future step.
1" belt sander for sanding the toy. Router table with 1/4" round over bit.
SAFETY GOGGLES!!
Supplies Axles and wheels. I used 1.25" wheels and axles from the hobby store.
Wood Glue. Paint. Depends on your animal... 2"x6" stock(or scrap).
To cut your animal out. 1/8" ply or MDF for cutting template. You could even use cardstock or cardboard.
Step 1: First Step: Gather Needed Materials
Bandsaw, for cutting out template and toy.
Drill press for drilling axle holes. Drill bits, You will size it in a future step.
1" belt sander for sanding the toy. Router table with 1/4" round over bit.
SAFETY GOGGLES!!
Supplies Axles and wheels. I used 1.25" wheels and axles from the hobby store.
Wood Glue. Paint. Depends on your animal...
2"x6" stock(or scrap). To cut your animal out. 1/8" ply or MDF for cutting template. You could even use cardstock or cardboard.
Step 2: Second Step: Choose Photo to Do and Cartoon It(if Not Already)
TIPS: Choose animal you can easily know from the side view.
Use a image from the side view
Step 3: Third Step: Print and Cut Out Photo
This is when you take your cartoon version of your picture and cut it out onto a piece of cardboard/ cardstock.
While your at this point you can trace your cutout onto your piece of wood Make sure to keep in mind: Do not forget to combine the legs and think about where your wheels will be placed.
If you check the duck example I placed a mark for the axles of the wheels. I will use 1-1/4" wheels.
Step 4: Fourth Step: Cut Toy
Trace as close to the edge of the stock as possible
Cut it out on your band saw.
Once you have your toy cut out: Use the paper template where you have marked your axle to mark them on your cut out toy blank. Use a pencil to poke through the paper image and leave a mark on your toy blank. Make sure the marks on your toy blank are visible.
Step 5: Fifth Step: Cut Axle Holes
Use your axle to find an appropriate drill bit size and find the appropriate drill bit. Use a punch to put a dent in your blank. This will help it so that the drill doesn't walk. Place a scrap piece of wood under your toy and above the drill press table. This will keep your toy from tipping and binding to the drill bit. Drill your axle holes through your toy blank.
Step 6: Sixth Step: Router and Sand
Router the entire outside of your animal. If there are places that are too small to get the router bit into you will need to sand these by hand. Sand all of your tool marks out. Starting at 150 and going to at least 220.
Step 7: Seventh Step: Paint and Put Wheels
Paint your toy as much as you would like and be as creative as you want. After the paint drys put glue in the axle holes and attach your wheels(TIP: put something thin between your toy and wheel so the wheel doesn't get glued too).
