Kelly Burns Woodworks
Fort Mitchell, KY
Simple Toy Tractor Cut out of Hardwood. In my case I am using White Oak from Bourbon Barrel Heads. This Tractor is modeled after a common Ford Farm Tractor
10 minutes
The tractor was designed to use a 1/4" Spiral Upcut Bit, but you can likely use anything thick enough to go through the material. I used White Oak Hardwood, but any hardwood will be nice.
I also do not cut the Axle Holes using the CNC. I mark the holes on the CNC by cutting a depth of .05" and use those to drill the holes on a drill press using a bit sized to the axles I have. Often 1/4" hole is too loose.
Materials and Supplies:
1 – 5″ × 6″ × 7/8" Hardwood (Maple, Oak or Walnut)
5 – Toy Axle Pegs (4 Wheels and Exhaust)
2 – 1.25" Wood Wheels (Buy or create your own using provided files)
2 – 2" Wood Wheels (Buy or Create your own using provided files)
Non Toxic Cutting Board Finish
5 minutes
If you used the CNC to drill the holes you can skip this step. I like for the holes to be perfectly sized for the Axles I will be using. Generally 15/64" works out pretty well.
10 minutes
I round over all edges with a 1/8" round over router bit, but you can also sand the edges round as well. Sanding is key to any project having a great look and feel. The more time spent sanding, the better the toy will feel in the hands of the user. Sand all surfaces of the body paying close attention to the end grain areas.
15 minutes
Depending on the thickness of the wood used, you may need to shorten your axles. I shorten them by sanding with the belt sander. I try to leave about 1/16th of play in the wheel. That is usually means Axles that are 1" long for the front wheels and 1.25" for the rear wheels.
Optional: Drill a hole in the Top and Glue in an Axle Peg for the exhaust pipe.
I finish my toys with a non-toxic finish used for cutting boards. It’s made of Mineral Oil and Beeswax. You can make your own or purchase an Oil and Wax cutting board finish. If you want to make your own, the recipe can be found on my website: http://www.kellyburnswoodworks.com/the-nut-report-shop-blog/all-natural-local-cutting-board-finish
The finish has the consistency of sour cream. Start with a “glob” of finish on a clean rag and rub it liberally around the entire part. Be sure to work it into and behind the wheels. Keep working it in until it has soaked into the wood and there are no Wet areas. Allow the finish to soak into wood for 30 minutes and then apply another coat. Repeat the process 2-3 more times.
Note: I pre-finish the wheels before assembly. This makes it easier, but also makes it less likely that sloppy gluing will stick to the wheel.
