How to Make Children's Wooden Pull Toys
The 2-year-old and the pull toy is a friendship that dates back hundreds of years. Wooden toys, pulled by string, may be of simple construction, but the joy experienced by a toddler as he travels around and around with his "friend" following closely behind can last hours. With a few basic tools and materials, you can construct a personalized pull toy in an afternoon.
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch thick piece of wood, approximately 12 inches by 8 inches
- Scroll saw, band saw, jigsaw, or skill saw
- Four 2 1/2-inch wooden wheels with precut center holes
- Two 4-inch long 1/4-inch dowels
- Carbon paper
- 80-, 100- and 220-grit sandpaper
- Coloring book
- 18-inch cord
- Drill press or hand drill
- Wood stain or acrylic paints
Instructions
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1
Pick a pattern. A children's coloring book is a great place to find a simple shape. Enlarge the image to approximately 11 by 7 inches depending upon the shape.
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2
Place the carbon paper between the wood and the image and trace the pattern onto the wood. Cut the shape from the wood using the preferred saw.
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3
Drill two 1/4-inch holes about 1/2 inch up from the bottom edge of the shape and 1 inch in from the outside edges.
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4
Aggressively sand the cutout shape, using an 80-grit sandpaper. Repeat with a 100-grit and then finish with a 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth the edges so that there are no rough patches. Sand around the holes.
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5
Slip a dowel through each hole and glue the ends lightly. Place a wheel on the end of the glued dowel and hold in place. Do not glue the middle of the dowel that penetrates the shape; the dowel should slide easily through the toy. Let the wheels dry thoroughly.
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6
Drill a small hole about 1/8 inch deep in the front of the toy. This will hold the pull string. Squirt a bit of glue in the hole and push the end of the string into the hole. Hold in place until dry.
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7
Finish the toy as desired with a light layer of non-toxic walnut oil or non-toxic paint. You can add details to the shape with different colors of paint or non-toxic permanent markers.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the dowels are flush with the outer part of the wheels.
Sand, sand and sand some more to ensure a smooth toy.
Use only non-toxic paints or stains.
Use a strong permanent wood glue to affix the wheels.
