Five Simple and Fun Woodwork Projects - By: Jimmy Cox

The following few projects are simple enough for the young primary school child to complete with supervision.

WOBBLY BLOCK PUZZLE

The "wobbly block" is simply a rectangular piece of 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood which has been sectioned in two planes. All cuts are irregular, but they should remain roughly parallel to the long axis of the block to produce nine pieces of approximately equal size.

The two outside cuts are made first, forming a block with two opposite flat sides and two opposite irregular sides. The block is then divided into three approximately equal parts by making two irregular cuts from end to end. These pieces are then assembled, clamped together, and the block is sectioned by two cuts in the opposite plane to give nine irregular pieces of the puzzle.

Children can then have fun trying to assemble the puzzle.

JIGSAW PUZZLE

A block of 1/4-inch plywood is cut to the size of any pattern and sandpapered thoroughly.

The chosen figure may be traced directly on the wood and outlined with crayon, paint, or wood burner. If a crayon is to be used, the block should be given a coat of flat white rubber base paint before the outline is applied.

As an alternative method, an illustration from a magazine or calendar may be cut to the size of the block and fastened to the wood with glue. A protective coat of shellac should then be applied before the pieces of the puzzle are cut out.

The pieces of the puzzle are outlined on the back of the plywood block. The pattern may include a small or large number of pieces. The picture side of the puzzle should be protected with a square of cardboard or thin crate wood while the pieces are being cut apart. This practice will help to minimize fraying of edges.

CANDLESTICK

A large hexagon and star form the base of the candlestick and are cut from 1/4-inch plywood or crate wood. A smaller hexagonal block holds the candle and is cut from 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood. The hole, which is 7/8 inch in diameter, should be drilled before the hexagon is cut out so that there is less danger of the block splitting when the hole is prepared.

The three parts of the candlestick are fastened together with wood glue. The completed project may be given a coat of oil stain or varnish.

DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE

The younger girls seem to have a great deal of fun assembling doll house furniture from pre-cut blocks.

Several l 1/2-inch blocks of l 1/4-inch stock and some assorted pieces of masonite are all that is required to outfit a doll house with chairs, tables, beds, sofas, and other articles of furniture which the children can design.

Small wire nails may be used to fasten the various creations together. Sheets of bright-colored contact paper obtainable at most variety stores may be used to "upholster" the furniture.

RING - A -PEG GAME

This game may be made from a block of 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood, a piece of 3/4-inch dowel, and three 10-inch lengths of heavy rope or clothesline.

The dowel peg is fastened to the base block by a nail entering the peg from the underside of the block.

The three lengths of rope are fashioned into rings and the ends are fastened together with adhesive tape.

Children can now have fun trying to throw the rope rings onto the peg.

Any of these projects will provide a lot of fun for the child who makes them.

About the Author

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