Major
Project
Article
NOV/DEC
2003
Volume 46/Issue 6
IN
THIS ISSUE
Project
Articles
•
California Dream Toys
• The Mantel Clock
• Christmas Tree Ornaments
DEPARTMENTS
•
Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
Academy Notes
Clean
Cuts - Pt. 3 - All About Router Bits
Service Pointers
MARK
V Saw Guards
Safety Tips
Proper Workshop Lighting
What's
New
When
accuracy counts Incra Rules
EDUCATION
• Find
A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National
Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH
ONLINE
CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request
Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online
Replacement Parts Catalog
MARK
V INFORMATION
• Find
A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request
MARK V Information Package
LINKS
•
Links Worth Visiting
•
Free Woodworking
Tips
FEEDBACK
Contacting
Shopsmith
Copyright
2003.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
The Three-Piece Construction Crew
There should be as little time as possible between the promise of a toy and the fulfillment. That's why I don't paint my toys. To do a really good (safe) job of painting takes a lot of time. And then, the child might not like the colors. I find that a little bit of self-adhering vinyl wallpaper and some self-stick lettering from a stationery store brightens the toy. It's enough to give the illusion of the colors of the real thing.
So, why do I make toys? Because a smile is worthwhile! I enjoy making them and I like to pass that on. Toymaking should be a happy pastime. It shouldn't get too intensive. But watch out...it is addictive!
This Bulldozer with Tractor and Low-Boy Trailer is an example of Norm's toys and how he recommends building them. Once assembled, you can leave them unfinished or seal them with a non-toxic finish such as Salad Bowl Finish.
The Projects
THE BULLDOZER
This toy features lifelike bulldozer tracks and a two-position blade that's
held off the ground by the exhaust stack engaging a hole in the blade
axle. The builder must watch that the chassis center beam (A)
and chassis end beams (B) are cut exactly to
size, as shown in the Bill of Materials. This provides adequate clearance
for the wheels when the tracks are glued to the chassis.
Start by cutting all parts to size, according to the Bill of Materials. Drill axle holes in (A). Glue parts (B) to (A). Install wheels.
Glue track lugs (G) onto track blocks (F), starting on the top and bottom center and working toward the ends. Use a spare lug as a spacer. For lugs glued on the rounded ends, wrap sandpaper over a large dowel...or use a 1-1/2" diameter sanding drum to sand a concave surface for better adhesion.
Drill hole for the blade axle (L). Insert blade axle and drill a 1/4" dia. hole for the exhaust stack (M). This hoe goes through the blade axle. Remove the blade axle and redrill the 1/4" dia. hole to 5/16" dia. Drill dashboard holes for the gauges and insert gauges (P).
Blade (K) has a concave face. This shape can be achieved by sanding over the Idler Drum end of your Belt Sander or by using a Drum Sander. Assemble the blade (K), blade axle (L), blade supports (J) and engine (H).
All parts of this toy are held together with glue only. Be sure to round all sharp edges for added safety.
View
Plans &
Assembly Drawings
The
Bulldozer
•
Top & Side View
• Blade Parts
• Assembly
The
Tractor
• Front,
Side, Top View
• Fender Part
• Assembly
The
Low-Boy Trailer
• Top
& Side View
• Assembly
•
List
of Materials
Printer Freindly PDF copy of Instructions (1150K)
