2020-02-23

Rounding and Painting Axel Ends For Handmade Toy Cars and Trucke

Axel Drying Rack Handmade Wooden Toy Trucks
My axel drying rack. These are not dipped they are brush painted. Each color pair  fits the truck they are aligned with.
I paint the axles before mounting the wheels. I painted them with a brush for a long time. Brushing almost always needed at least to coats. Metallic paints were the worst. When applying the first coat of metallic paint, the color would soak in rapidly, leaving the metallics on the surface. Nowadays, I dip the ends of the axels in a couple of drops of paint. I touch the end of the axel to the paint and holds it there for a couple of seconds. Holding the axel in the paint for a short time lets the end grain soak up as much paint as it can. So far, this has been very successful and never requires a second coat of paint. You need to dip the axel just enough to cover the entire end with a tiny bit of overlap. It the wheels fit snug, this extra paint will get scraped off by the wheels. I usually let the paint dry overnight. I hand fit each axel to the car body.

Rounding the axel ends is a bit hard to explain. I do it by hand using a sanding block and 80 grit sandpaper. While holding the sanding block in my left hand, I grip the dowel in my right hand 90 degrees to the surface of the sanding block and moving it in a circle. The dowel will wobble in your hand as you sand and produce the rounded end. The tighter you grip the dowel, the flatter the end will be. I like to rotate the dowel in my grip a quarter turn every few loops to keep the shape uniform.

To get the axels to fit correctly, I hand fit each pair of axles. To do this, I put a wheel on the dowel followed by two nylon washers, the car body, two more washers, and another wheel. I press everything down tight on a flat surface and mark the axel length. I disassembled the toy and cut the axel to length using a 20 TPI Japanese pull saw or flush cutting saw. I then sand the axel ends to shape and paint them. When the car is assembled, I only use one washer per wheel. I use the second washer to add just enough axel length to allow for rounding the ends.

I use Tightbond II to glue the wheels on. It holds tight and gives me enough working time to position the wheels. I put the first wheel on the axel, aligning it carefully, so it is in perfect alignment. I set this assembly aside until the glue has cured. I learned the hard way not to try to position both wheels at the same time. After the glue has cured, I insert the axel in the car body with washers and glue the opposite wheel in place.

When gluing the second wheel in place, I insert a plastic spacer between the wheels and the body. I press the wheel on using a vice with leather padded jaws. The wheel is pressed on until the axel just protrudes into the leather. The spacer is there to make sure I have enough clearance for the wheels to turn smoothly. If I did everything right, the hubs will protrude just a bit past the wheel and look like a tiny hubcap. Remember baby moon hubcaps.

2020-02-17

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection 777784613

Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Buy Now:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/754575287/

I make these in my toymaker's shop using traditional woodworking tools. Each toy is hand-sanded and finished with a finish I make from beeswax, mineral oil, and carnauba wax, the same as you would use on your cutting board or butcher block countertop.

Each toy is carefully assembled and tested. My toys are of the highest quality I can make. Sometimes, I reject as many as 20% at some point in the build process for defects. Quality assurance happens at all build stages, so very few completed toys have issues. The few completed toys that have a problem are fixed or rejected. All of the materials used in making my toys are nontoxic.

Approximate Size:
Length: 6.5 inches/165mm
Height: 2.75 inches/70mm
Width: 2.75 inches/70mm

Custom colors, sizes, and quantities are available via custom order.

Request Your Custom Order
https://www.etsy.com/conversations/new?with_id=81938978&ref=shop_contact_items

Toy Cars:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34638962

Toy Trucks:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34653279

Toy Airplanes
https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=27730505

Shop Front Page:
https://odinstoyfactory.etsy.com

I make items by hand from natural wood and wood products. They can differ from one piece to the next. The one you receive may differ from the item in the listing photos. Wood thickness may vary slightly from the stated size.

Not for children under three years old or kids still chewing things. If the toy breaks, small parts may present a choking hazard. Small children should not play with this toy without adult supervision.

Custom orders are always welcome in my shop. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me with your needs.

Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida USA


 

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613

Wood Toy Car, Convertible Sports Coupe, Handmade and Finished with Mineral Oil and Beeswax, Ripsnorter from the Snazzy Toys Collection
Handmade Wooden Toy Car Itty Bitty Ferarri Mini Play Pal Size Pocket Car 777784613


#odinstoyfactory #handmade #woodtoys #madeinusa #madeinamerica

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2020-02-05

Drilling Holes For Internal Scroll Saw Cuts



To make internal cuts with a scroll saw, you need to drill access holes to insert the blade. These holes need to be square to the top of the piece. If the internal cut is large, you can drill them without a drill press using a handheld drill. As the internal cuts get smaller, you must drill the as near to vertical as possible. For me, this means I have to use a drill press or other device.

I started with a Dremel drill press and a Craftsman rotary tool. The Dremel drill press worked great for me until I started making larger projects where I could not drill holes where I needed them.




Dremel Drill Press Stand Craftsman Rotary Tool
Dremel Drill Press Stand Craftsman Rotary Tool

My next tool was a small benchtop Central Machinery drill press. I bought this drill press because the chuck would fit the smallest bit I had at the time, and it was cheaper than buying a replacement chuck for my large floor standing press. Plus I was not too fond of the idea of changing the chuck when I needed to use larger bits. After a few years, I outgrew it. I had projects that it wasn't quite large enough for, and the keyless chuck drove me nuts. I almost needed three hands to get a bit installed. If I remember right, I paid about $30 for it at Harbor Freight on sale with a coupon. I used it for several years and sold it for $35.


Harbor Freight Central Machinery Drill Press Bench Top Drill Press
Harbor Freight Central Machinery Drill Press Bench Top Drill Press



I purchased a Grizzly G7943 - 14" Heavy-Duty Benchtop Drill Press used that worked but needed some TLC. I refurbished the drill press and swapped out the chuck for one that would hold my tiny wire gauge size bits. I am happy with this setup, and it will be my goto for drilling my scroll saw projects. When I got it all set up as a test loaded up my smallest bit and drilled holes in a toothpick.



Grizzly G7943 Drill Press Being Refurbished
Grizzly G7943 Drill Press Being Refurbished



When I reach the point, if I ever do, where the 14-inch drill press will not work, I will use a router base with a Dremel. One of these:


Stewart MacDonald Precision Router Base
Stewart MacDonald Precision Router Base

Veritas Plunge Base for Rotary Tools
Veritas Plunge Base for Rotary Tools

I lean heavily toward the Lee Valley tool due to its versatility.