Gray Daniel, a wooden toymaker and designer, creates a classic toy for his second project -- a wooden train!It doesn't get much more classic than a train, and this one is made out of oak with walnut for the accent. It's a simple project that consists of five major components: - Cab
- Wagon
- Wheels
- Barrel
- Stack
The second project Gray Daniel tackles on Wooden Toys is this ...
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unique train engine that would be the highlight of any child's toy collection!
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Materials:At least 10' of 1" x 8" red oak
Approximately 5' of 1" x 6" walnut for wheels and stack (type of wood optional)
#0 wood joiner biscuits
2' of 3/4" dowel
1' of 5/16" dowel
Carpenter's wood glue
Fine-grit sandpaper
Polyurethane sealant Tools: Table saw
Miter saw
Ban saw
Hand drill
Biscuit joiner jigsaw
Drill press
Wood sander
Oscillating spindle sander (optional)
Several 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 12. Note: Step 12 is an "alternate" design provided by Gray Daniel. Here are a few tips to assist in constructing the train: - The train's wagon is a simple box, and after a light sanding the entire wagon is glued and clamped together (see the PDF instructions, please).
- The cab is another simple box, but the top is cut a little larger because it will be the "seat" for a child.
- Each window is inset one inch from both sides and the top.
- The train cab top is cut to hang over an inch or so in the front and back.
- The staves "must" be glued and clamped tight in place. Another way to keep the barrel staves in place while drying is to use rope. With it tied tight, trace out the barrel end-cap for the front of the train -- and cut to size on the miter saw.
- The stack is made from four circular pieces of walnut, cut with a 2" hole saw attachment and glued together. The stack's top piece is cut at 3".
- Building this wooden train should take approximately one day to complete.
Here are two more "beauty" shots of the finished wooden Train Engine:
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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
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