Toys

How fun is this!! If you are a woodturner, here are the free instructions to turn a few spin tops on the lathe. For this project a fine-grained wood such as birch, maple or cherry is the best option.

This toy barn could bring hours of enjoyment and imagination to little boys and girls. Perfect to use up your scrap wood and would make an awesome gift as well. Free plans available at the link.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a wooden toy bat racer. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

Here is a really fun puzzle. Amaze your friends by hooking the rubber band in the bottom.

This is not an original design, I built this toy based on a photo that I came across. I had been planning to build a pull toy following the traditional balls in a cage inches design which I had read in a book. When I came across this design I was captivated by the intricate way the clacker blocks were mounted in between the wheels. The resemblance to the old-style push reel lawnmower, which I have and use, was another strong factor in my desire to build this toy.

This riding horse is great fun for children.

Children will get many hours of enjoyment pulling this elephant around.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a childs push toy. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

My introduction to the shingle dart came from my Dad when I was eight-years-old. I spent untold hours using the switch and string to fling the dart very high into the air. I think this was a popular pastime of the late nineteenth century for young boys.

You can readily see how well the monkey rides that tricycle. The leg joints are all pivoted in the monkey.

Nearly all geese, including goslings, are lifelike unless they are being made ready for the pot but this gray-goose is lifelike in that her head moves out from and back toward her body when she is drawn over the floor by a string.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a scrollsawn toy piano. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a wooden tumbling toy on a ladder. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

Build your own backyard slingshot using these free step-by-step instructions.

It is time to get out in the wood shop and start making those great Holiday gifts for your kids and grand kids. This weeks project is simple and yet will give hours of pleasure to that special little someone in your life.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a simple wooden catapult toy. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This childrens toy maze will surely keep them occupied for a long time.

This little toy will bring a lot of laughter and you pull the boards in opposite direction. As you do, the little thief in the middle gets his head knocked!

To build your kids a sit spin toy, all you need is a couple of round pieces of wood, flanges, pipe, and a Lazy Susan. So easy and it will keep them entertained for hours. Follow the free woodworking instructions at the link to build your own.

Any home crafter can make one of these all wood scooters in several evenings. Pick out some 3/4 inch thick straight grained hardwood to get this project started.

This article appeared in the February 2000 issue of More Woodturning and is the first of a series that will be appearing there (and subsequently here). I hope you find it helpful in mastering the skew which is a very handy tool once you get a feel for it.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for toy wood rabbit that child can pull with string. It hops as it is pulled along. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This Noahs Ark is a contemporary version of the old Sunday toy. True to tradition, the ark holds all the animals and people shown.

Pieces of odds and ends found in most shops were used to make this pull toy. Trace the design on the stock...

With just few tools and some scrap wood you can make this push toy. This free plan is downloadable.

This simple sculpture flaunts itself by apparently defying natural laws. A series of blocks are stacked in such a way that the topmost one extends beyond its supports. Viewers are convinced that the blocks are attached to each other, but closer inspection indicates that they are wholly independent The sculpture relies on some basic physical principles. Read on for a thorough description and several ideas.

A boomerang can be made of a piece of well seasoned hickory plank. The plank is well steamed in a wash boiler or other large kettle and then bent to a nice curve, as shown

You may be wondering what an article on making a drop spindle is doing in a spinning magazine, as the as the procedures described are more elaborate than those usually used by most casual do-it-yourselfers.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a Toy Merry-Go-Round made from wood. Just turn the base to wind it up and watch the merry go round spin. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

There are several ways to make a boomerang, but on this page I will discuss the way I make boomerangs.