20240619-064829 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck - Axels - Crafting the Axles for a Wooden Toy Tow Truck

My Five Truck Fleet

In my workshop, I'm crafting a wooden toy tow truck. The focus today is on the axles, which are three wooden dowels. They are held by spring clamps on a custom pegboard, allowing both ends to be painted simultaneously. The tips are painted purple to match the truck's body. In the background, there are various wooden toys and ornaments in progress. The next steps include assembling the truck's body, attaching the wheels, and adding details like a tow hook or driver figure. Follow along for updates on this project.

20240616-161533 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck - Wheels - Purple - Amber Shellac: The Perfect Finish for Toy Wheels

 

 

My Five Truck Fleet

When finishing toy wheels, I use Amber Shellac. It provides a beautiful, warm appearance and has practical benefits that make it ideal for kids' toys.

One of the main reasons I favor shellac is that it doesn't mar the surfaces where the wheels roll. Unlike flat black paint, which can sometimes rub off and leave those pesky black marks behind, shellac stays put.

The wheels I work with are typically made from end grain, which tends to soak up a considerable amount of shellac. There have been times when the shellac has soaked through the wheel.

Shellac sprays beautifully straight from the can, but I prefer to apply it with a brush on the wheels. This method is less messy and gives me more control over the application. One common issue with dipping and spraying is that shellac can inadvertently get into the center holes of the wheels. Shellac inside the axle hole is crucial, as it can lead to glue failure when it comes time to attach the wheels to wooden axles.

In conclusion, amber shellac is a fantastic choice for finishing toy wheels. Its aesthetic appeal, safety, and ease of use make it an excellent option for any toy maker.

20240616-154412 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck - Purple

 My Five truck Fleet

Painting can be a rewarding yet meticulous part of making a toy, especially when striving for a flawless finish. Applying the first coat of acrylic paint tends to raise the grain of the surface. To achieve a smooth finish, it’s essential to let the paint cure completely, followed by sanding to remove any imperfections before applying additional coats. The process is repeated until the desired finish is obtained.

The perfect finish may take several days, as it largely depends on the color of the paint and weather conditions. Some colors, like yellow, require a white undercoat to shine their brightest. Without this base layer, the outcome may lack the vividness you envisioned. Every color and type of paint is different.

Handmade Wooden Toy Bunny Rabbit Cutout From My Itty Bitty Animal Collection - 1353260191

 

My Itty Bitty Animal Collection

I made this wooden bunny rabbit in my Toymakers Shop using traditional woodworking tools. The item is crafted from unfinished wood, sanded, and prepared for painting if you desire. The bunny is free-standing and makes a great stacking toy combined with other toys in my Itty Bitty Animal Collection.

Custom orders offer a unique opportunity to tailor products to your preferences and requirements. Whether you're looking for a particular color, size, or quantity, custom orders allow you to express your individuality and meet your exact needs. This personalized approach enhances your satisfaction and ensures that you receive a product that perfectly fits your vision. By choosing custom orders, you embrace creativity and uniqueness, resulting in a one-of-a-kind item that stands out. I am here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your custom order exceeds your expectations every step of the way. I can make animal cutouts in many sizes and quantities or make cutouts based on your drawings.

 

 

20240616-152053 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck

 

My Five Truck Fleet

The handmade wooden toy tow truck body has been carefully sanded and is now ready for painting. I took my time to ensure that the body feels smooth to the touch and eliminated all sharp corners. The opening for the hook has been reshaped to accommodate the tow hook that will be added later.

20240615-154459 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck

My Five Truck Fleet

I am making a wooden toy tow truck for a custom order. I cut the truck body with a scroll saw, and I precisely drilled the axle holes using a drill press. To remove the pattern, I used mineral spirits to dissolve the spray adhesive that I had applied to attach the pattern to the wood. I flood the paper pattern with mineral spirits and, after waiting a short time, I can easily lift it off, leaving only a small amount of adhesive residue. This softened adhesive can be easily wiped away with a paper towel. Once I have removed the pattern, I let the body dry overnight before sanding.

 

20240615-153710 Toymakers Shop - Tow Truck

My Five Truck Fleet

I am creating a handmade wooden toy tow truck for a custom order. The photo shows the truck body, freshly cut with my scroll saw and drilled for the axles and tow hook. The window still needs to be cut. Since the window is an inside cut, a scroll saw is uniquely suited for this task. While I could drill a round window, it would completely change the toy's character.

One of the most challenging aspects of this project is creating the space for the hook. To achieve this, I need to use flat, square pieces of wood that are well-sanded for a smooth finish. A precise layout is essential to ensure that the hook is accurately positioned and perfectly centered on the truck's body. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the toy's functionality and ensures it has an aesthetically pleasing look once completed.