FREE PATTERN

Slab'y Victorian
We are offering this free pattern as a beginners project. If you are just getting started in making wood toy vehicles it is a simple project with some cutting, sanding and drilling to deal with. After you finish a few project like this you will have the skills needed to go on to other more complex projects.

Of cource anyone can build this project. More experience woodworkers can have some fun making various versions of this project. Hardwoods of contrasting colors can be used in its construction to give it a different look. Good luck!

PDF Printable Free Pattern
Click here to download the free pattern in Adobe Acrobat format.
This requires Adobe Acrobat reader. If you don't have this software, it is a free download available here.

Instructions
Here is a brief description on how-to-build this simple wood toy.

Print out the pattern and glue the body pattern on to the 3/4" x 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" pine. Saw out the body and then drill the two 3/4" and the two 3/8" dia holes for the two windows. Cut out the window opening. Drill two 9/32" dia holes for the axles. Remove the paper pattern and clean any remaining glue fron the pine surface with paint thinner. Allow to dry and then sand the cut surfaces smooth and round over the sharp edges.

Cut the four wheels from the 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pine and drill the 1/4" dia hole in the centers for the axles. The wheels should be sanded together to ensure that they are all the same diameter. Take a 1/4" bolt with a washer under the head and slide the four wheels onto the bolt. Add another washer followed by a nut. Chuck the bolt into the drill press and while the wheels are turning, sand the wheels with a sanding block. Bolt up each wheel separately, and sand a radius to both edges.

Cut the two axles from the 1/4" Dia x 5" long dowel. Glue one wheel to each of the axles and when dry finish the body and wheels with a good grade of child-safe finish. It's best not to finish the axle surface, since the finish build-up may cause the axle not to rotate freely in the axle hole in the body. Allow to dry overnight and then slip the axle through the body and glue the other wheel to the axle. That completes this project, we hope you enjoy your results.