wouldwurker Posted September 18, 2014 Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 Figured this would be a quickie for my son's first birthday next month. From video http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/grasshopper-pull-toy/ Templates. Using some 8/4 soft maple I picked up for a cross cut sled that never was. Even a nice ambrosia beetle line Had a blow out on the router table, so 'fixed' it with a sweet tapered tail . I guess that's the beauty of a cartoonish kids toy. Making two at once to see how things go. Also assuming all mistakes I make on #1 will be fixed on #2 If it goes pretty quick, I think I'll be making about 10 of these for Christmas presents this year for friends' kids (especially since I bought the wheels and pegs in bulk) Wheels! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted September 18, 2014 Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 Great recovery on the blowout! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 18, 2014 Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 Crap Vinn, now I've got to make one . Watched Marc's video and that's just too cool. Wonder if this will be too large to use as a Christmas ornament on Chet's tree? I still don't have mine made yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 It would be a big ornament! Getting a better feel for the project and its parts, none of the parts even really need to be exact, as the dowels and wheels really provide the only mechanics. If my drill press was set up already, this would be a half day build....most downtime I had was waiting for the open time to clear on the spray adhesive for the template and pattern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 18, 2014 Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 I just printed the pattern for mine. Have you tried 3M adhesive spray? I've used it within minutes of spraying. I'm not even sure why I'm making one except that it's so cool (doesn't take much for me obviously). Heck, my grandkids are 13 yo. I may just tie it to my wife's cats tail (I had to reread that to make sure I said it right) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2014 I used 3m 45, which has a 30m open time. Just what I happened to have around the house. Start making! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Awww. It's already adorable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 Dueling Grasshoppers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I've been going back and forth between the video and the grasshopper plans from a book I have called Heirloom Toys. One thing I noticed was that the book uses axel holes that are one hair larger that the axel pegs ( 11/32 holes for a 5/16 dowel for instance). A 3/8 dowel in a 3/8 hole is a tight fit, even with sanding and a sloppy second drilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Vin, Where did you get the wheels/axles? I went to Hobby Lobby and all they had were wheels that look like they belonged on a tractor, not that it mattered. They sold the axles separately to "fit" 3/8" holes in the wheels. They ended up being smaller than the 3/8" holes that I had already drilled. Now I have to buy 3/8" dowels to plug the holes and re-drill. How darned hard can it be to make a grass hopper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Wheels, dowels, and pegs all from 'Casey's wood products', online. Careful drilling the thin legs by the way, I blew out 2 of them already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Also, you may want to make a little note on each hole to remember 'glue' or 'spin'. During dry assembly, everything is moving around and it's tough to gauge what holes should be a little bigger. I also used washers. Made a huge difference. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Thanks, I got past without a blowout! As this for my wife's 2 yo nephew, it was justification to buy a set of long needed brad pt. bits. Now if I can just convince her that she needs something that will require a drum sander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dewald Swanepoel Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 This looks like an awesome toy for a 1 year old. I'll be keen to see how this pans out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 Thanks. Using Arm r seal gloss for the finish. Put on the first coat last night. I took a look at the msds, and I feel it's safe for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted October 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Downside of using a wiping varnish on a million tiny parts...takes FOREVER. Upside...man it looks pretty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted October 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Hmmmm. Something screwy with the photos on this thread. Are the images missing for everyone else too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted October 8, 2014 Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 I see images? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dewald Swanepoel Posted October 8, 2014 Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Nothing screwy here. I see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted October 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Got em back...not sure what was going on there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 8, 2014 Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Vinny, my first one was done like Marc's, letting the 3yo do the painting. I think I'll do another without the paint, copying your idea if you don't mind. Would have never thought I would make 1 grasshopper pull toy, much less 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted October 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Hardly my idea....just changed the finish. The wiping varnish really doesn't like to dry in the usual 24 hours in all the nooks and crannies ...I've been waiting 3-4 days between coats. And wiping onto small parts is a nightmare. I might actually use a pair of tweezers for the next coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 8, 2014 Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Think I'm gonna use Arm-R-Seal, (if it hasn't crusted over yet ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted October 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Ready for final glue up after four coats of arm r seal. Used Marc's method of mixing it with 50% Naptha for the last coat. Trick is though, a really LIGHT sanding before that last coat or it doesn't cover of the scuff like it will full strength. Love me some arm r seal. Smooth as glass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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