DIY Network

Sandbox Steam Shovel From "Special Presentation" episode DWNT-S

	Craftsman and toy maker Gray Daniel shows you how to create a ...
	sandbox steam shovel with a seat that rotates 360 degrees!

If you have a child that loves playing in a sandbox, this Gray Daniel creation -- a sandbox steam shovel that rotates 360 degrees -- will be sure to please.

This particular project is a bit different from the previously featured wooden toys because steel is being used in this one. There are screws and washers and the base is made of pipe and flanges.

Note that your child will be able to actually sit on this unique steam shovel that features rotating arms that raise and lower a bucket that scoops the sand. Gray uses 2" oak to join a blank for the base and attaches a flange and metal pipe in the center. He then cuts and fastens together the seat and attaches a smaller flange and metal pipe to the underside to create the rotating and swiveling seat.

Using 1" x 2" oak, he shows how to cut, fashion and assemble the level mechanism for the steam shovel with dowels, wooden stoppers and metal washers. He then constructs the scoop bucket pieces and fastens it together. Finally he assembles the entire project and applies a finish.

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	PDF Download Step 1 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 2 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 3 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 4 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 5 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 6 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Step 7 "Shovel" pattern.
	PDF Download Web Xtra -- Dovetail.
	PDF Download Web Xtra- MortiseTenon.
	What child wouldn't be thrilled to play in a sandbox with this innovative wooden toy?

Materials:

10' of 1" x 6" red oak
6' 2" x 6" white oak
7/8" dowels (2')
#0 wood joining biscuits
1"galvanized, threaded pipe (8")
1"galvanized, threaded pipe flange
1-1/2"galvanized, threaded pipe (8")
1-1/2" galvanized, threaded pipe flange
1-1/4" galvanized screws
#6 5/8" zinc screws
Zinc Fender washers
Carpenter's wood glue
Sandpaper
Polyurethane sealant

Tools:

Table saw
Miter saw
Ban saw
Pipe wrench
Hand drill
Biscuit joiner
Speed square
Wood sander
Several large adjustable clamps

Click, right, for the plans in PDF form. Simply print out and follow the instructions supplied, along with illustrations.

The PDF files are in order from Step 1 through Step 7.

Here are a few tips to assist in constructing the sandbox steam shovel:

• To make the base Gray joins three pieces of 6" wide white oak with biscuits and glue.

  Note: White oak is a denser and hardier oak that better stands up to the elements.

• The two bucket-support primary arms are different lengths -- one is 19-1/2" long and the other is 21" long. Both need to be 7/8" wide at each end.

• With a speed square, mark grips on the handles to make them easier for a child to grab.

• The finished seat is approximately 9" x 9", hollow at the bottom with front windows for the lever mechanism.

• All but one side of the seat is glued together, clamped and must dry before the next step.

• The face or front windows are made of three pieces, each two inches wide.

• Note that the handles are different. One has one hole in it and the other has two. One operates the lift while the other pivots off the same point and operates he articulation of the bucket.

• Glue the single-holed handle to the longer arm at a 90-degree angle. They're glued at the pivot point with a spacer between.

• Cut the bucket pieces to a rough length at first because you'll still cut a miter cut in them at 22-1/2 degrees. You want them to match in order to have a sharper edge for scooping up sand.

• For ease of access, it's best to mount the two support arm "before" attaching the last side of the bucket.

• A spacer and dowel create an elbow joint that connects the second lever and handle to the bucket assembly.

• The sandbox steam shovel "should" take approximately two days to complete.

GUESTS :

Gray Daniel
Wooden Toymaker and Designer

Wooden toymaker Gray Daniel's uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus was the inspiration for his decision to begin designing and building his own wooden toys for children. With a lifelong pursuit in professional woodworking, Gray has more than 20 years experience as a master scenery and props carpenter, working in theaters across the South and East Coast. In addition to building stage scenery, wooden furniture and props for hundreds of theatrical performances, he has been teaching his woodworking skills to university students since 1990 -- currently at West Virginia University, in Morgantown, WV.

A master builder behind the scenes, he also has experience in front of the camera, appearing as an actor in television commercials, instructional training films and more than 200 stage performances -- including professional, community and collegiate theatrical productions.

Over time as his waistline and white beard have grown, so have the number of annual calls he receives to play the role of St. Nick. Several years ago this hobby of playing Santa inspired him to focus his woodworking skills on toy making. Today, physical likeness or not, he prefers to spend his time designing and crafting new and exciting wooden toys to delight children of all ages.

Website: www.Santaswoodentoyshop.com