Wooden children's toys

[maximus]

I've been seeing a lot of wooden children's toys lately. I've seen everything from old fashioned pull-along toys to handmade building blocks. I think they're so charming!

I'd like to make similar toys for my two nephews. Does anyone have any tips? What type of wood should I be using for this?

 

[GordonP]

I have made pull along toys for my sons in the past. I used pine, as it was easy for me to work. My scroll saw was a gift from heaven as it enabled me to cut out ducks and doggies. The ducks were the easiest to make and finish. The doggies were difficult because they had to have their ears attached and there were more corners to finish off. Good luck making yours!

 

[Sparrow1]

Those sound precious! I've also seen similar toys featured on blogs that I follow and I think they're adorable.

I'm sure you already know this, but make sure to sand them very smooth and, if you're sealing them, use a sealant that won't be harmful if a child were to chew on the toy (which isn't that farfetched).

 

[Sidekick]

Those old wooden pull toys are delightful. My brother has some old handmade pull toys from Germany that have the original paint on them. They are worth about four hundred dollars each. He has made copies of them in his woodworking shop for family members who fall in love with his. They aren't as charming, but he's keeping the original.

 

[Rae]

Good idea! I just might make my daughter some blocks for her birthday this year.

As for the wood, I would go with whatever you have readily available. Someone suggested pine and that's a good choice because it's easy to work with, but it's also very soft and nicks easily and as we all know, kids can be pretty hard on their toys.

 

[contractor]

Wooden toys for kids never go put of style do they? I made a train set for my son years ago and we are now saving it for future grandchildren. Pine is among the easiest woods to use. Because it's soft it can be sanded easily to get rid of any rough edges.

 

[maximus]

Thanks for all the great tips!

Pine sounds like a great choice. It's affordable too and I definitely like that. I might switch to something harder later on because I like the idea of making something that is built to last, something that can handle a little rough play.

I think I'll start with some building blocks because they're so straight forward. It will get me used to the process and let me focus on the sanding and finishing.

 

[derb540]

I think wooden toys are making a come back.There are some impressive wooden toy garages,doll houses etc..in my area.

 

[-Brian]

I am in the process of making a set of blocks for my 14 mo old daughter and another for my best friend's son who will turn 1 soon. I am using ash, and plan to used 5 or 6 different natural stains to make the blocks different, but no colors, carvings, paint, etc. I am also making pull-along carts for the block sets with two sides being ash and the opposite two being walnut. I will be making my first attempt at finger joints with these carts.

The blocks have all been cut. Each set has 25 1.5" cubes, 2 3x1.5" pieces and 2 4.5x1.5" pieces. All pieces have been sanded and the edges dulled.

Here is where I need advise: How do I finsish a cube block? I am worried that however I apply a finish, one side will look terrible. Any help? Thanks!

 

[Rob]

Brian, I love this idea. Making a set of blocks for your child is one of the best projects I've heard of. It allows you to to do many things and use various techniques to show your skills. Best of all, you'll have a priceless heirloom for your family. I'd love to see the finished product.