How to Build Realistic Wood Toys
Parents often express concerns over toys and their safety. Many companies have recalled toys due to the dangers they pose, including the threat of lead poisoning. To ensure your child's toys won't harm him, you might try building some out of wood and finishing them in paints that don't contain lead or other harmful additives.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wood patterns
- Basic wood working tools
- Paints
- Stains
- Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Sandpaper
- Wood Carving Tools
- Hammer
- Chisels
- Tape Measure
- Wood Glue
- Screws
- Nails
Instructions
-
Tips For Building Realistic Wooden Toys
-
1
Gather the basic woodworking tools, including a small workbench, a wood vise, clamps to hold the piece you are working on, power saws and drills. The size of the saw depends on the size of your project. For example, a large cradle or dollhouse might require a table saw. You may be able to cut smaller toys, such as figurines, trains or cars, with a handheld jigsaw. If you are new to woodworking, practice and attain precision by using the tools on scrap wood.
-
2
Choose wood that suits the toy. Among woodworkers, oak and pine represent common choices. Many prefer the firmer oak for action toys, whereas pine is more appropriate for board games or cradles and other toy furnishings. If you plan to add detailed carving to your toy, pine is easier to work with. Both woods are sturdy, but oak may last for generations.
-
-
3
Follow the directions on your pattern to cut out the pieces of the toy. Sand each piece to remove splinters and smooth the wood before assembling. Draw a picture as a model of the object you intend to make or consult an image of the real thing. As you cut and assemble the wood, closely follow the direction and contours of the original item. For example, if the cradle you're using as a model has rounded edges, cut the wood in a curve and sand any edges into rounded shapes.
-
4
Create details on your toy. For example, if your toy is an animal, paint it the same colors as the life model. Living animals and "adult" vehicles come with lines, indents, and shapes. Use your wood carving tools to thin your wood and hollow different areas to create depth. Remove a small amount of wood at a time. Remember, it's easy to remove the wood, but you can't add any back if you subtract too much.
-
5
Humanize the toy if you're creating the object for a youngster. For example, paint a smiling face on the front of a toy train engine and paint it in bright colors. Opt for realism for older children by replicating the lines, colors and nuances of an actual train engine.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Buy ready-made wooden wheels and axles in craft stores.
Read any labels on paints, stains and glues to ensure these products are nontoxic. Children often put toys in their mouths. If you create a pull toy, make the cord short so the child can't tie it around his throat. Make sure the wood you use has not been chemically treated. When you work with wood, wear goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and flying wood chips. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.morguefile.com/
