Buy This Truck Now
My Easy 5 Truck Fleet
My Toy Truck Collection
I created a fleet of toy trucks for my grandson almost a year ago. Unfortunately, he started playing with them before I had the chance to take photos. All the parts for the truck, except for the wheels, can be made from wood purchased at a big box store. I used a scroll saw to cut the body from a 2x4 section, but a piece of 2x6 would be easier. I had to reduce the body size to avoid the rounded corners on the 2x4. I also had to adjust the sides of the bed to clear the wheels.
The toy truck is not detailed, but the simple design makes it easier to create than more complex toys. Plus, there are fewer bits and pieces to make, which reduces the likelihood of breakage. I've considered adding fenders to the design.
I used pine to make the toy truck because it's lighter than other options, and I prefer to keep the weight of my toys under 16 ounces. The sides are made from poplar hardwood and finished with amber shellac. I finished all the parts before assembly, masking the areas where the glue needed to be applied with blue painter's tape. Getting the tape in the right place can be tricky.
The barrels, a distinctive feature of the toy truck, are fashioned from a 'closet pole' I had on hand. While they didn't fit the holes in the bead perfectly, I managed to resolve this by drilling the holes slightly tight and widening them with a sanding drum and a Dremel. To avoid such issues in the future, I've invested in a full set of Forstner bits, ensuring I have the right size for the next truck I make.
I recommend drilling the holes for the barrels after the body is completed and painted. Use a sharp Forstner or Brad point bit and a drill press to drill the holes. Painter tape on the body will help prevent tearing out and chipping of the paint. This method of drilling the holes will help ensure they are at right angles to the body. If you don't have a scroll saw, drilling the window might be your only option, but I prefer cutting it with the saw because it maintains the character of the design.
I purchased the wheels because they are faster and cheaper than making them myself. The axles are 1/4-inch birch dowels.
The paint on this truck is Behr Oops paint from Home Depot, which I applied by hand with a brush. I've had good results using these paints and often check the paint section for bright colors.
The front of the truck is notched on the underside to work with the tow truck that is part of this series of five vehicles. These trucks are large, measuring 9 inches in length, 4 inches in height, and 3.5 inches in width. In the future, I'd like to make smaller versions of these trucks, the size of the Play Pals, and add notches for the tow hooks.
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