Today, it’s very easy to buy children’s toys from the store. You can even order the toys online. But there are some toys that you can build by yourself.
You can save a lot of money when you build your own toys. You’ll also make some memorable moments with your kids when you build toys for them.
If your skills improve in the future, you can even sell the toys that you yourself produce.
Here are a couple of wooden toy projects that you can build:
(You can download free woodworking plans for these projects. Or you can buy the plans from woodworking sites)
Children’s Wooden Playhouse
Build a playhouse from scrap wood and some pallets. You can ask your kids for design ideas or let them pick the woodworking plan.
Materials, measurements and cut list will depend on the woodworking plan. Make sure all the lumber are free from sharp edges and splinters.
Join together a couple of 2×4’s to form the frame then erect the wall studs. These posts will hold the wall sidings. Make sure the base frame and studs are well aligned.
If you want a gable styled roof, make two studs that are longer than the others at the center of the base frame. Connect the two studs to form the top ridge. Use nails or screws to secure the pieces.
Now it’s time to cover the structure with grooved plywood or pallet boards. Start covering the back end and then cover both sides. Use wood screws and wood glue to secure the boards.
Next step is to build the roof support. Put plywood or waterproofed board over the roof. Cover the board with shingles or wood pallets. Add a roof line at the edges of the roof for a cleaner look.
Construct the front door and cut out spaces for any windows. Use a jigsaw if the doors or windows need to have curves in them. Fill in gaps with wood filler and sand out sharp edges. Finish with paint or wood varnish.
Children’s Sled
This is one toy your children will enjoy during the winter months.
Follow a woodworking plan to get the needed materials, measurements, and wood cut list.
Make a template for the curved skids from the woodworking plan.
Stick the template on a blank 2×6″ lumber and cut out the skid using a jigsaw. Repeat this step for the other skid. Sand and smooth both skids.
Next, measure and cut out three seat supports from 2×4″ lumber. Use the jigsaw to make curved cuts underneath each support. Set the supports at equal distances over the skids. Make sure the supports fit well over the skids.
Cut out seat slats from wooden pallets, and then fit the slats over the seat supports at equal gaps. Place the larger slats at the center and the shorter ones at the sides.
Attach the seat slats to the two rear seat supports. Use wood screw and glue to secure the pieces together. You can also add handles to the sides using a smaller piece of wood.
Next, cut and smooth out the front cross rail. This will hold the rope. Fasten the rail over the front support with wood glue and screws. Finish with wood Varnish or wood stain.
Children’s Toy Rocking Horse
It’s hard to find a good quality wooden rocking horse. So, why not build one yourself?
Check the woodworking plan for the materials, measurements, and cut list.
Make templates for each individual piece of the horse. Also make a template for the rockers at the bottom. Stick templates on 2×10″ blank boards and cut out using a band saw.
You may have to join several 2X10” boards together to make the head and body of the horse. Glue the boards together and let it set before cutting. Use a round over router drill bit to smooth out corners. Sand all edges.
Next, drill large holes for the hand and foot dowels. Also, drill smaller holes for the screws. Use a router drill bit to create the details.
Attach the base support to the rockers. Check for alignment and proper rocking motion.
Paint or varnish the pieces. Once dry, assemble the pieces together. First assemble the horse then attach the horse to the base. Fasten pieces with wood screws. Have fun!
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