In beginning the construction of these toys, read the directions carefully so as to understand the process of construction. Study how you can best arrive at the desired results. By thinking ahead, as you proceed, many mistakes may be prevented.
- Be careful in making your drawings.
- Keep your pencil sharp.
- Be precise in making measurements.
- Handle the tools with care.
- Finish one job before starting another.
- Have a place for your tools.
- Keep your glue and wood-finishes well covered to prevent drying.
- Keep your brushes in kerosene to prevent them from getting stiff.
- Be clean in handling colors.
- Let one color get dry before joining on another.
- Let the colors join on sharp and definite lines.
- Pick up only a small amount of color with the brush.
- Lay the color on in a thin coat.
- Clean your brushes before putting them away.
- Give your work that clean, crisp, snappy appearance which is the mark of superior craftsmanship.
THE BUZZER
This toy is made from 1/4" stock. Two 1/8" holes are located on a straight line passing thru the center, one on each side of the center and 1/4" from it. The circle is drawn with compass, and then sawed to the line.
The circumference is stepped off into lengths equal to the radius, and every second point connected by line with the center. This divides the surface into three equal spaces called sectors. Color each sector with one of the primary colors—red, blue and yellow.
A strong cord is slipped thru the two holes, and the ends tied together in a square knot, leaving a loop on each side of the wheel.
To operate the buzzer, insert a finger of each hand in the loops and swing the disk around in a circular motion till the strands of the cord are twisted together. Then pull hard on the cord so that the disk will be set into a spinning motion as the cord is being unwound. At this instant slacken the cord so that the disk may continue turning, and rewind the string. Then pull on the cord again, and the disk will spin in the opposite direction. By whirling the disks rapidly in this way, the colors will blend and show a new color produced by the three primary colors. The other side of the wheel may have half of it colored yellow and half colored blue. This will blend into green when spun. By pasting paper sectors of different colors on the wheel, an infinite number of tests in color-blending may be made.
THE SHARK PUZZLE
The shark is sawed out as shown in the drawing and three holes bored.
To make one of the rings, draw two concentric circles—one 1/2" radius and the other 3/4" radius. First, saw out the inner circle and then the outer.
Take a piece of cord a foot long, double it and slip the loop thru the middle hole in the shark. Next, put the two ends of the cord thru the loop. Slip a ring on each end of the cord, and tie with a slip knot into the end hole in the shark.
Puzzle: Transfer a ring from one end to the other.
Buzzer, Shark Puzzle
Buzzer
Shark Puzzle
DUCK
The parts for this fowl are sawed out of 1/4" stock. The edges should be sawed square and to line, and may be made smooth and slightly rounded by filing and sand-papering.
The two feet should be made alike and held together when the hole for the nail is drilled thru them. The bottom of the feet will then be on the same level, and the duck will stand upright. Put a fine 1" nail thru one foot, drive it thru the body, at the proper place, and press it thru the other foot.
With round-nose pliers, bend the end of the nail around so the end will point toward the wood (Fig. 5). Place the head of the nail against a block of iron, and with the hammer drive the point of the nail into the foot. The joint should be firm and movable so the duck will stand at different postures.
Color the body brown, with black outlines and streaks on the wings, the bill yellow, the head green, and the feet red.
Fig. 6. Platform Bases.
Fig. 6. Platform Bases.
GOOSE
This project may be made of 3/8" stock and fastened to a platform base (Fig. 6).
The platform is made of two rectangular pieces one on top of the other. The upper is 1-1/2" by 2-1/4"; the lower, 2-1/4" by 3". The grain in the two pieces should cross to prevent warping.
To fasten the goose to the platform, outline on the upper piece of the platform the position for the foot. Hold the goose with foot up. Drive 1-1/2" brads thru the upper piece of the platform into the foot.
On the upper side of this upper piece of the platform, locate points at each corner, 1/4" from the outer edges, and drive 5/8" escutcheon pins thru it into the lower piece of the platform.
Smooth all parts, and color the body white with black trimmings. Make the bill yellow, the feet red and the platform green.
WILD DUCK
The body may be cut from 3/8" stock, or from heavier material if so desired. It may be whittled to natural shape with a pocket knife before fastening it onto the platform.
The bill, eye and feet are colored yellow, throat, breast and tail red, head and wings dark green, and platform blue.
HEN
The construction of this problem is similar to that of the goose. Her feet and comb are colored red, body white with black trimming, beak and platform yellow.
Wild Duck, Hen
Wild Duck
Hen
DEER
The stock is 3/8" thick, the grain running vertical. It should be mounted on a wheel base 3/8" by 2" by 5-1/2" (Fig. 7). The deer is colored reddish brown, but nearly white under the body and on the lower parts of the legs. Color the base black and the wheels red.
The stock is 3/8" thick. The grain of the wood should run vertical. The cow should be mounted on a wheel base 3/8" by 2" by 5-1/2". Wheels are 3/8" thick, 1-1/2" diameter. This is a Jersey cow, and should be colored accordingly. The base may be colored green, and the wheels red.
WEASEL
This little creature is wary and swift as lightning in its movements.
The stock should be 1/4" thick, the grain running lengthwise of the body. It may be mounted on rocker base 1/4" by 1-1/2" by 5" (Fig. 8. See text on "Minstrels," page 30). It is reddish brown with under part of body light.
Fig. 8. Rocker Bases.
Fig. 8. Rocker Bases.
TIGER
This may be treated in the same way as the weasel except the coloring. Examine a tiger in the zoo, or look up some colored pictures of tigers so you will know just how to draw his stripes and just what color to make them.
ROCKING RHINO
The rhinoceros should be cut out and colored and mounted on a platform which has rockers fastened to its edges (Fig. 8).
Hold the animal in the vise, head down, and nail thru the platform into the feet.
Rocking Rhino
Rocking Rhino
MINSTRELS
The stock for the two minstrels, the platform and the rockers is 1/4" thick, with the grain of the wood running lengthwise in each object.
The bottom of the feet of the figures should fit squarely onto the platform. The rockers are laid off with the compass. The center of the arc is on a separate piece of wood of the same thickness as the rocker.
When the rockers are accurately finished and nailed to the platform, a center line is drawn along the under side of the platform, and points located to match the position of the feet of the figures. Use 3/4" brads and drive them thru the platform. Hold the figures, heads down, in the vise, or in clamps, and, in turn, drive the brads thru the feet and into the legs so that the figures will stand in an upright position. They are then colored in such brilliant attire as is becoming two gay minstrels.
SQUIRREL
The squirrel is generally regarded as being wary and wild. Still, by wise and kind treatment, its timidity can be overcome, and it may become quite tame. All parts of the squirrel may be made from 1/4" stock. Saw out the body, two fore, two hind legs and a nut.
Hold each pair of legs together in boring holes thru them. Smooth the parts and assemble them by firm movable joints.
Color throat and breast light gray, and the remainder brown.
PIG
This problem is worked out similar to the squirrel. It may be colored red, black or white, with large spots.
KANGAROO
This animal has its home in Australia, where the birds are songless and the trees give no shade.
It has a very powerful tail which serves with the two long hind legs as its support and for making enormous bounds. The fore legs, much like arms, are used with surprising dexterity by this strange animal. The nose, throat and breast are very light, the rest of the body is reddish brown.
CAMEL
It is with significance that this beast is called the ship of the desert. Like a ship crossing a wide ocean of water, the camel travels across a great expanse of sand carrying heavy loads of freight.
It has a wonderful endurance and can go for a week without drinking, subsisting on the coarse grass of that waste region, and the water stored up in its humps. Its dreamy eyes, sullen nature, angular figure and neutral grey-brown color—all seem to resemble the rocky desert itself.
GIRAFFE
This creature (Fig. 9) is, unquestionably, the tallest of all the beasts of the forests of Africa. It does not stoop to obtain its living from the ground, but browses on the tops of trees.
It is also called the camelopard, suggesting a resemblance in shape to the camel and in color to the leopard.
It is cream-colored with a shower of dark-brown spots on its back and sides.
SWAN ROCKER
All the parts may be made from 1/4" stock. The two sides are made like the pattern. The seat is 2-1/4" wide, the back 2-1/2". Both are 3" long, and serve to unite the two sides.
When the parts are finished and ready for assembling, mark on the sides the exact location of seat and back; also the position of each nail on all parts. Hold the two sides together and make small holes thru them where the nails are to be driven. Nail, in turn, the seat and back to the first side, and then to the second side.
Color white and decorate appropriately.
BALANCING PEACOCK
Saw out the shape of the fowl as outlined in the drawing.
There is good chance for display of fine color in dark-green and blue. The breast should be colored brown.
Make a small stick about 2" long for a perch. Drive a small nail into each end of the stick, and tie the ends of a fine cord to each nail. Press a brad thru the middle of the stick up into the foot of the peacock. It may then be hung up by the long loop of the string and swung freely.
TOY DOG
This dog may be made of 3/16" or 1/4" stock. When put together, the two pieces for the body are separated by the head, tail and two circular pieces. The legs are fastened to the outside of the body by two long nails that reach thru the five thicknesses. The ends of the nails are bent back.
Smooth the parts and color white, with large black spots on head, back, tail and legs.
TEDDY BEAR
This animal has two pieces for the body. The head and two circular pieces hold these two pieces apart. The head and legs move on tight joints so that the bear will stay in the desired position.
PARROT
This may be made of 1/4" stock. The base has two holes bored thru it for the uprights with fit tight into the holes (Fig. 10). The perch is 2" long and has a brad in each end to swing on. These brads fit loose thru the uprights near the top ends.
The parrot is sawed out, and a 3/4" brad driven up thru the foot which also fits into the hole in the middle of the perch.
The parrot may be colored white with black trimmings, yellow beak and eyes, red crest, tail and foot. The wings are green.
The stand should have a green base, red uprights, and yellow perch. The bird should balance well and swing freely.
DOLL'S HOBBY HORSE
The two body pieces of the horse with rocker are sawed from 1/4" wood. The seat and back are made alike, as are also the shelf and foot-rest. The ends of these four pieces should be at right angles to the sides, and the edges should be slightly rounded.
Mark carefully on both side pieces where the cross-pieces are to be fastened. Hold the two together and make fine holes thru the two thicknesses where the nails are to go thru. By driving the brads thru these holes, fasten all the cross pieces to one side, and watch that the brads go straight. Then fasten the other side in a similar way.
Color the horses white, rockers red, and seat blue.
Dolls Hobby Horse
Doll's Hobby Horse
STERN WHEELER
This boat is sawed out according to the drawing, and notches cut on the arms at the stern as a place for the rubber band which serves both as axle and motive power. The paddles are sawed out to fit together to form a stern wheel with four paddles.
The elastic is made in a double loop of four thicknesses, one of which is placed in each of the four angles of the paddle. By twisting the elastic band, power is stored up sufficient for the boat to attain a fair rate of speed. A spool serves as smoke-stack.
Paint the boat white and smoke-stack red.
THE WEATHER-COCK
This fowl may be made of 3/8" stock; a shingle will do. Let the grain run vertically. The perch may be made of similar stock, triple thickness, with the middle piece short to allow room for the foot of the rooster. The pieces are securely fastened together with nails, and a hole bored in the other end of the perch for a metal pivot, on which it should swing to tell the way the wind blows. Give it two coats of paint, using brilliant colors.
Stern Wheeler, Weather Cock
Stern Wheeler
Weather Cock
ARM-CHAIR AND ROCKING-CHAIR
These two doll's chairs are similar in construction. Make them from 1/4" wood. Saw out two sides, a back and a seat for each chair. Have edges finished accurately. The seats are alike for the two chairs. The backs, also, are alike, except that the one for the rocker is 1/4" longer than the other. Assemble as shown in dotted lines, and fasten with 1" brads.
The chairs may be colored white or mahogany. With due care and skill, this furniture may be made very attractive and valuable.
Rocking Chair, Arm Chair
Rocking Chair
Arm Chair
DOLL'S CRADLE
Every little girl loves to own a cradle for her doll. Here is one that is strong and pretty, and can easily be made from thin wood about 1/4" thick. Saw out the two ends after tracing the outline from the full-sized drawing. The two sides and bottom have their dimensions given. When properly shaped and smooth, the bottom is fastened with 1" brads between the ends. One-inch brads are driven thru the sides into the edges of the ends. Be careful when driving the brads that the sides do not split and that the brads go straight.
Paint the cradle white on the outside and violet or pink inside.
Dolls Cradle
Doll's Cradle
DOLL'S BED
This is a problem that will appeal to the little girl. It is also needed to complete the set of doll's house furniture. It is made of 1/4" wood and fastened with 1" brads. The grain should be run from top to bottom in the ends of the bed and lengthwise in sides and bottom.
The parts should be cut out of paper full size and placed on the wood as patterns. In cutting out the ends, fold the paper on the vertical center line so as to cut the two halves at the same time. When all parts are sawed out, fasten the bottom to the two ends, and then put the sides in place. The bed is colored like the rest of the furniture.
DOLL'S TABLE
This table, being part of the furniture set, may be made from 1/4" stock. The four pieces comprising the legs are made from two paper patterns that are laid out to measure, folded on the vertical center line, cut out symmetrically, then traced on the wood, sawed out, smoothed and fastened together with 3/4" brads. The top is drawn directly on the wood with compass and fastened with 3/4" brads, centrally on the legs.
It is colored white, brown, mahogany or some other shade to harmonize with the general color scheme of the Doll's House and its furnishings.
KITES
Kite-flying is known the world over. Every boy wants to make and fly a kite. It is a sport that is almost limitless in its possibilities.
Kites may be made any size, of almost any shape and with all sorts of decorations. The two models here presented are types of practical fliers and are easily made.
One needs a tail to steady it in its flight, the other is tailless, but has the cross rod sprung by means of a string into the shape of a bow. The wind is caught against the convex surface and renders it steady. In the making of kites, it is essential that a few things be observed:
If the size be changed, the same proportions should be maintained. Make the wooden stays as light as possible consistent with strength.
Be sure to preserve balance both in distance and weight of the various parts. Make the cross-lap joint secure by driving a light nail thru the several thicknesses and bending down the end; then tie them together with strong twine. Cut a notch in the outer ends of the stays and in stringing the twine taut prevent it from slipping by tying a knot around the stick and thru the notch. The paper should be very light and strong. It is doubled over the string and pasted together.
The guy-strings are fastened to the ends of the wooden stays and the anchor line securely tied to them with several knots directly opposite where the stays cross. A few adjustments in point of balance and of the weight of the tail may be necessary in starting to fly the kite, but after they are made, it should rise to a great height and maintain a steady flight.
WOOD CHOPPERS
The stock required is 1/4" thick. Two bodies, two arms with axes, and two bars are needed for this toy. The upper bar has a place 5/8" from its center which is widened to resemble a tree stump an inch high. The pairs of parts are held together while holes are being bored thru them. The shoulders of the men and arms should have small holes to make a fixed joint while the men's legs and the bars should have holes closely fitting 1" nails.
Both bars are located on the side of the men on which the arms are fastened.
Color the coats, hats and sleeves blue, boots and axes black, arms, fingers, faces pink, and trousers red, bars green, and stump brown.
Wood Choppers
Wood Choppers
THE BUCKING GOATS
From 1/4" stock, saw out two bodies, as shown in the full-size drawing, and two bars shown in the dimensioned drawing. Place the two bodies together and bore holes in the hind legs, as shown, for 1" nails. Do likewise with the two bars. Color the goats white, with large brown spots on their backs, necks and legs. Color the horns and hoofs black, and the bars gray or brown. Fasten with movable joints, one bar on each side of the goats, having them cross as indicated in the assembled drawing.
Bucking Goats
Bucking Goats
PECKING HENS
Saw out two bodies and four legs for the two hens. Hold two legs together and bore five fine holes thru them as shown in the drawing. Then place one of these with each of the unbored legs and bore these, using the first pair as template for boring the second. Also bore holes in the two bodies together, saw out the two bars and bore the holes thru the two together. Saw out the upright and the tilting pans; bore holes, and fasten together with a loose joint. Enlarge the two lower holes in legs of the hens to the size of a 1" nail. Fasten two legs to each hen with three 3/4" brads, and clench. Finish the parts in appropriate contrasting colors. Place the two bars between the legs of the hens and insert thru the holes 1" nails, bending their ends back to form a loose joint. Take the upright and the pans, and fasten the lower end of the upright to the middle of the upper bar so that each pan will tilt when the hens peck.
ACROBAT
The body, arms and legs are made of 3/16" wood. After the acrobat is sawed out and holes are bored, paint the parts in gay colors. Assemble with loose joints. The two upright sticks are fastened to the cross piece by two 1" brads at each end, after the two holes are bored in the upper ends for the cord. It is colored green or black. Insert a strong double cord thru the frame and the hands of the acrobat. There is a twist in the cord when the legs are down, but it is straight when the arms point down.
CLIMBING SAILOR
This nimble tar climbs a rope according to a style that is all his own. Pull on the string, and the friction on the two nails between his legs being greater than that between his hands, his hands glide upward. Let go, and the elastic band between his legs and arms pulls his legs up, and he thus gets a fresh grip.
Saw out of 3/16" stock one body, two arms and two legs. The arms are fastened to the body with three 3/4" brads and clenched. The legs have a loose hip joint on a 1" nail with the end bent back. The rubber band is held between arms and legs by two nails. The string is held between two thicknesses of felt or cardboard that are fastened between the hands with two brads to produce the required friction. Bore holes to avoid splitting. The string passes down between the two legs around two nails that pass thru both legs but do not pull them together. Color the cap white and suit blue.
Climbing Sailor
Climbing Sailor
THE JUMPING JACK
The wood should be 3/16" thick. Two of each pattern is required, except the head, which may be made of slightly thicker stock.
Bore the holes as shown to form loose joints.
Color the cap and body blue, thighs and upper arms yellow, calves and fore arms pink, and shoes brown.
Insert small nails into edge of arms and thighs at the points where the strings are to be attached. Take two pieces of string, two feet long; tie the ends of one to nails in the arms, the ends of the other to the nails in the thighs. Insert 1" nails thru one of the body pieces; drive 3/4" brads thru it and the neck; place arms and legs in position; adjust the strings to proper lengths, and tie a knot on them. Place the other body piece in position. Bend back the ends of the nails, making loose joints, and drive the brads thru the neck into the second body piece, and clench. Fasten the legs together with loose joints, and all should work freely.
Jumping Jack
Jumping Jack
BALANCING BARRISTER
The body may be sawed from 3/8" stock as outlined in the drawing. Find its center of gravity by balancing it on a knife edge, crosswise, and then lengthwise. Draw lines along the knife edge where it balances. Where these intersect is the center of gravity. Bore a hole at this point of intersection perpendicular to the body, and so as to fit tight on a 1/4" dowel rod. Make two discs 1" diameter, 1/4" thick, with a hole to fit tight on the dowel on each side of the man.
Color his shirt red, hat and trousers blue, arms and stockings white, and dowel, shoes and parallel bars black.
The frame on which the man should balance (Fig. 11), with his head just a little the lighter, is made of seven pieces. The base, 1/2" x 2" x 12"; the four uprights, 1/4" x 1" x 5-3/4", and the two bars, 3/8" x 3/4" x 15", are firmly fastened together so that the two bars will be parallel and horizontal.
When the man is properly balanced, which may be accomplished by whittling off a little stock where needed, he should roll from end to end of the bars by giving the dowel a twist between two fingers.
Balancing Barrister
Balancing Barrister
THE DANCING RASTUS
All parts of the body are of 3/16" stock. When sawed out, the parts are colored separately and assembled. All joints should swing without friction. Therefore, bore all holes larger than the nail, thru all thicknesses, except the one nearest to the point of the nail. At elbows and knees have the heads of the nails on the inside. At the shoulders place a small wheel between the arms and body, and use a 1-1/2" nail for pivot, with plenty of play. The platform (Fig. 12) is of thin, springy wood, 1-1/2" wide and 9" long. The upright post is of 1/2" stock about 6" long and securely nailed to the platform and braced with a small block. Holes are bored into Rastus' back and the post so as to fit tight on No. 16 spring brass wire, 5" long. Put a weight on the rear end of the platform, let the front end project out over the edge of a table and set it vibrating. This should cause Rastus to swing legs and arms in a merry fashion.
Dancing Rastus
Dancing Rastus
THE SPANKING ESQUIMAUX
The stock for all parts is 1/4" thick except for the oar and broom which should be 1/8" thick. Saw out the two figures, wheels and bars. Hold the two wheels together and bore two holes for the pivot nails. Do similarly to the bars. Assemble wheels and bars temporarily to mark places on the wheels where the feet of the figures will be fastened. Saw out the oar and broom. Color all the parts separately in bright contrasting values to bring out the outlines of the arms and other parts of the figures. Fasten the wheels to the feet, the bars to the wheels in loose joint, and the oar and broom to the man and woman in positions indicated by the dotted lines.
When properly put together, the figures should swing when the bars are moved back and forth, and the oar and broom go flying and strike with a rattling bang.
Spanking Esquimaux
Spanking Esquimaux
WABBLER
This toy is made so that the wabbler can go or glide down the ladder on his elbows. The ladder is made from soft wood 3/8" to 1/2" thick, 2-1/2" wide, and 20" long. The openings are cut as shown, and nails located and driven in exactly as indicated in the drawing. The ladder is then securely fastened to the base which is made of 3/4" wood, 3-1/2" square. The wabbler is sawed out of 1/4" wood. A full-sized drawing is shown. This is all one piece without openings. Features and parts of the body are to be worked out by using paints of different colors.
FALLING TEETER-TOTTER
The stock for the upright piece and end supports is 3/8" thick; that for the two boys and teeter-totter is 1/4" thick. The upright is made 2" wide and 28" long. On the center line lay off points 1-3/8" apart. With these as centers, draw semi-circles of 1" radius alternately on both sides of center line. From each center draw lines tangent to the circles, as shown in the drawing.
Saw to these lines and curves, and finish the edges so that they are smooth. Saw out two boys and the teeter-totter board (B, Fig. 13), cutting out the center opening accurately. Slip this board onto the upright, and watch it fall from top to bottom in a see-saw motion. If it fails to travel smoothly, see where the rub is and remove the obstacle. Fasten the two pairs of cross pieces to each end of the upright so that it will stand vertically on either end.
Give it a thin coat of paint. Color the boys and fasten them with a nail thru the body of each boy, fitting loosely, and driven into the ends of the board. When the see-saw is turned up-end down, the boys will swing on the nails and keep heads up.
Falling Teeter Totter
Falling Teeter Totter
TUMBLING TOMMIE
This problem is rather unique in its principle of operation and offers at once material for study and investigation. Like that of a circus performer, the combinations must be exactly right or the little fellow may fall on his head. In making the man, first bore the holes thru the block and take care to make them parallel. The openings into the holes from the ends must be in the same plane and made to slide over the rounds of the ladder without friction. The tumbler may be shaped and colored to look like a man. A base may be attached to each end, but on opposite sides of the ladder, so that Tommie may tumble in both directions.
Tumbling Tommie
Tumbling Tommie
THE BUSY PUP
All parts of this article are made of 1/4" wood except the ears which should be 1/8" thick. Saw out one body, a pair each of fore legs, hind legs, ears and tail, and the push-rod and guide. The guide is made of four pieces and fastened together with glue and brads, as shown in the drawing. The two pairs of legs are fastened to the body by loose joints. Holes are bored thru one end of the push-rod and the forefeet; also thru the projecting end of the guide and hind feet. Fasten that end of the guide between the hind feet with loose joint (Fig. 14). Insert the push-rod thru the hole in the guide, which should slide easily, and fasten between the fore feet. By holding the guide in the left hand and working the push-rod back and forth, the dog should work freely and without a hitch in all the varied positions that it is possible for it to assume. With fine brad fasten the tail. Bore holes thru head and ears, and pivot them on a loose joint so that they will swing when the pup is busy scratching.
The pup may be colored white with black spots on neck, body and legs. The push-rod and guide may be finished in a dark color or black.
The stunts that this pup can perform are greater in number than one would suspect. Furthermore, they increase also in variety as the child acquires skill in manipulation.
THE DINKEY BIRD
When properly made up, this bird can bob its head and tail up and down. A swinging pendulum supplies the motive power. The parts are shown in the drawing full size, except the clamp that holds the Dinkey in upright position (Fig. 15).
The head, tail and body pieces, one with and one without the leg, are sawed from 1/4", the back (E) from 5/16", the wedge from 3/8", and the clamp from 1/2" stock. Finish all edges. Drill 1/16" holes at A and B. Put the two body pieces together so they coincide, and drive fine 1" nails thru both of them at C and D. Then separate them enough to let the back (E) into place between them. Fasten the three pieces together with five 1" brads, and clench. Fasten clamp (F) securely to the foot at H.
Color the different parts in gay tints, and let dry.
Take 4 ft. of strong twine and with small nails fasten one end to the head and the other to the tail. Pull out the nails at C and D enough to let the head and the tail slip into their places between the body pieces. Then reinsert the nails. The head and tail should swing freely, and the back (E) act as a stop in their up-and-down motion.
Put the clamp onto the edge of a table top and fix with the wedge. Pull down on the loop of the string, grasp it about 6" from the top, and there tie a simple knot. Fasten a stone or a piece of metal to the loop. Set it swinging and watch the bobbing performance according to Dinkey fashion.
PELICAN SEWING STAND
Whether or not this article may be within the toy class, one thing is certain: It is useful as well as ornamental. The pelican is made of three thicknesses. The middle piece is 3/8" and the two outside ones 1/4" thick. The middle piece has parts cut away to give room for the pin-cushion, and in the head, an opening is left to give place for scissors, which, in turn, serve as the bird's beak. The cushion is stuffed with cotton or some other suitable material, and covered with a double thickness of thin cloth, and fastened in place securely by nails piercing from one side to the other.
The platform is six-sided in shape (Fig. 16), of double 3/8" thickness, with grain at right angles in the two pieces, and has four pins extending 1-1/4" above the surface for holding spools. The pelican is fastened to the platform by placing the upper thickness against the foot, and driving 1-1/2" brads thru and up into the foot. Bore holes and drive the pins for the spools thru the upper thickness. Lastly, the bottom board of the platform, which extends 3/8" beyond the upper, is fastened by driving 3/4" brads thru the bottom piece into the upper. The pelican may be colored with white enamel and black trimmings, while the platform may be light green or blue.
Besides the places for scissors and spools, other attachments may be arranged to suit the convenience of the happy possessor.
Pelican Sewing Stand
Pelican Sewing Stand
WHIRLIGIG
This little device might also be called a child's aeroplane, for it soars up into the air over houses and trees, and makes everybody around crane his neck in wonder. The parts consist of the flyer, a spool and the handle. First, get an ordinary thread spool, bore two holes in one end and drive in two six-penny nails. Cut off the heads 3/8" from the end of the spool and file the ends round and smooth. Take a piece of strong wood (yellow pine will do) about 7" long and 3/4" square. Whittle down one end for a distance 3/8" longer than the length of the spool and so it will make a running fit.
For a flyer, get a piece of soft wood 3/8" x 1-1/4" x 8". Bore three holes at the center to fit onto the two pins on the spool and the top end of the handle. Whittle both faces down to a slant like a windmill so the blades will be less than 1/8" thick. Put the parts together. Wind about a yard of string around the spool in the proper direction, and then set the flyer spinning by pulling the string quickly off the spool. If all parts are properly balanced and adjusted, the flyer should go "way up high."
THE CART
This practical project is of heavier stock than most toys. However, dimensions and sizes of stock may be modified to suit the convenience and wishes of the maker. The box may be of 3/8" stock, the axle and tongue of 3/4", and the wheels of 1/2" or 3/4".
Heavy round-headed screws with washers under the heads, fitting thru holes bored in the wheels and screwed securely into the ends of the axle, form the bearings.
Take care to bore the holes thru the wheels and into the ends of the axle the proper size, and central and true.
The box is fastened by driving 1-1/4" nails thru the bottom into the axle. The tongue is shaped to fit on the axle, and is securely fastened by nails to the axle and wagon bottom.
A handle of a loop of brass wire may be inserted thru the tongue near the small end, and the ends bent.
The box is painted green and wheels and tongue red.
The stock required for the box of the wagon is 1/4" thick, for the wheels 3/8", for the tongue 1/2", and for the axles 3/4". The axles are 5-1/2" long; the rear one is 1" wide; the front one is 7/8" wide, as shown in the drawing. The holes for the screws in the ends of the axles are bored 3/8" from the lower side. The screws are heavy, 1-1/2" round-headed, with metal washers under the heads. The holes in the wheels are bored true, and so that they will just slip over the screws.
The tongue is connected with the front axle by a piece of tin, cut from a tin can after the pattern shown on the drawing.
The cross piece between the wagon box and the front axle, called the bolster, is 1-1/8" wide, 5" long and 3/4" thick. It tapers from 5" in length at the top to 2-1/2" at the bottom, where it rests on and turns on the tin that is nailed to the top side of the axle.
Always bore holes of the proper sizes before inserting screws.
The front axle is connected to the bolster by a 2" round-headed screw on which it turns. In making the wagon box, the sides are nailed to the bottom, the ends fastened in position, and the back nailed onto the edge of the seat.
The box is painted green outside and red inside. The two wings of the tin plate are bent down to fit tight onto the sides of the tongue, and nails are driven thru the tin into the tongue. The whole running gear is painted red. The box is nailed to the bolster and to the rear axle. The seat is nailed into position, the wheels fitted on, and the front axle screwed onto the bolster. This wagon is strong and should last a long time and afford much wholesome pleasure.
FLYING GOOSE
The body, platform and wheels (Fig. 17) are of 1/4" stock. The wings are a little thinner. Saw out one body and two wings and bore holes for cords, as shown in the drawing. Saw out the platform and four wheels, and finish them carefully. The front wheels turn on 1" flat-headed nails that are driven into the edge of the platform 3/4" from the end. The rear wheels are driven onto a wire axle which turns in two wire staples that are driven into the bottom of the platform, 3/4" from the end and 1/4" from each edge. In driving these staples, take thought to avoid splitting the platform. Also, when boring holes thru the center of the four wheels, take care to secure proper direction and sizes of holes for a running fit in the front wheels and a press fit onto the axle in the rear wheels. Hold the body with foot up, and nail the platform onto it. With round-nose pliers make the connecting rods from No. 12 wire with the eyes neatly shaped and at right angles to each other. Attach the rods to the wings by staples so the joints will work freely without too much play. Attach the other ends of the rods to the outer faces of the rear wheels by means of short flat-headed nails. The nails pass thru the eyes of the rods and are driven into the wheels 1/4" from the outer rims. The nails in the two wheels must be in line with each other, as they act as cranks to actuate the wings. After the rear axle is assembled and fastened in place, the wings are fastened to the body.
Flying Goose
Flying Goose
The parts of the wings that touch the body must have been rounded off, as shown in section on the drawing. The edges are removed from the holes so as not to wear the cord.
A heavy strong twine may be used for hinging the wings to the body. Each of the two hinges is formed by slipping the end of the cord up thru the wing, then thru the body, then down thru the second wing, and back thru the body; then tie the ends in a square knot under the first wing. Adjust all parts accurately so they are not too loose and yet work without friction.
This goose may be painted white with gray stripes on the wings, red beak, foot and wheels, and green platform.
Attach a string or slender stick to the end of the platform to roll it on the floor.
Watch the flying goose and see if she can rise by flapping her wings.
THE DODO BIRD
Until recently this bird has been considered extinct, but is here revived to show what it may have appeared like. In this case it has chosen to perambulate on four wheels and maintain a bobbing motion of the head and body by means of a connecting rod between the breast and a crank on the front axle.
The body swings on a pivot between two uprights which we will call the wings. These wings are held apart by a piece between the feet, which is slightly thicker than the body to give the body freedom of motion.
The two base pieces are fastened onto the outside of the feet by three 1-1/2" brads driven in from each side. The front end of the base is held together by a piece 3/4" square and 3/8" thick, which is also the thickness of the base pieces and wheels. The body and wings are of 1/4" stock.
Make saw cuts 1/8" deep across the bottom of the base pieces to form bearings for the two wire axles, one 1/2" from the rear, and the other 1-1/4" from the front end of the base. The axles should turn freely in these cuts, and nails bent over them will secure them in their places. The parts are colored in gay contrasting colors before assembling. The body is pivoted between the wings and the piece between the feet is fastened. Then the base is assembled and fastened to the outside of the feet of the dodo.
Before inserting the axles into the wheels, the ends should be hammered a little flat to prevent them from turning in the wheels. It should be a tight fit. Next, put the axles into the cuts, and fasten. Slip a fine nail thru the hole in the upper end of the connecting rod, and drive it thru the breast of the bird, and bend the end. Then put the lower, or forked, end of the connecting rod over the crank on the front axle and secure it by a brad.
When rolling along on the floor, the dodo should bob its head in a most polite manner in recognition of being well put together.
ROCKING-HORSE AND RIDER
The body of the horse is shown full size and may be sawed from 3/8" wood. All the other parts should be made of 1/4" wood and have the grain run lengthwise.
Two fore and two hind legs are required. The upper end of each leg is tapered off on the side that fits against the body so that the feet will be far enough apart to be fastened on the inside of the rockers (see end view B). Each pair of legs should be fastened to the body with a nail thru the three thicknesses at the place marked. Saw out two rockers and finish to true and smooth curves. With fine brad fasten the feet on the inside of the rocker at the places marked, but take care that the wood does not split. Saw out three rails 2" long and 3/8" wide to be fastened onto the top of the rockers with two fine brads, one at each end of the rocker and one in the middle, as indicated on the drawing by the letter R. The upper ends of the legs may now be secured to the body by two or three brads.
Give the whole a general touching up to assure strength and smoothness. Give it a priming coat of paint. Let dry four days. Paint saddle, bridle, cross rails and rocker red, and the body and legs white. Outline eyes, nose, hoofs and other features in black, and the rocking horse is complete.
The body of the rider is 3/8", arms and legs 3/16" stock.
Rocking Horse and Rider
Rocking Horse and Rider
Rider for Rocking Horse
Rider for Rocking Horse
ANIMATED ELEPHANT
The body is composed of three thicknesses. The two on the outside are 1/4" thick, the one in between is 3/8" thick, and reaches only to the dotted line (Fig. 18), to allow room for the head which is 3/8" thick and moves between the two outside pieces with 1-1/4" nail as pivot. This is a loose joint.
Saw out the platform and wheels to dimensions. The connecting rod should be of wood 1/8" thick and 1/4" wide. A hole is bored near the end that is pivoted to the throat of the elephant; in the other end is a fork to fit over the axle crank with a fine hole bored at right angle thru the connecting rod for a brad to prevent the crank from slipping out. The two axles are made from No. 12 steel wire. One is straight, the other has a crank in the middle. Flat places are hammered near each end of the axles so that they may be pressed into holes in the wheels and not turn. Each axle is held to the platform by two staples which may be made from long brads by cutting off the heads.
Color the elephant gray, the blanket red and yellow, the platform and connecting rod red, and the wheels yellow. Fasten the platform to the elephant by driving nails thru it into the feet. Press the wheels onto the axles and fasten the axles under the platform so they move freely. Fit head and rod in places so all connections are strong and move without friction. Attach a string to the front end of the platform, and when pulled on the floor, the elephant will swing his trunk up and down in a vicious manner.
Animated Elephant
Animated Elephant
THE BUCKING MULE
Saw out of 3/8" stock the bodies of the mule and rider (Fig. 19). All legs and arms are of 3/16" stock. Two circles to be placed between the man's arms and shoulders are of 1/4" wood. The connecting rod, marked Z, Z (Fig. 20), shown full size and of 3/8" stock, is to connect the fore legs of the mule and the crank on the axle. Fasten the legs to the mule and arms and legs to the rider with loose joints. Then take rod Z, Z, and make the fork-like cut in the wide end and drill a small hole thru it at right angles to that cut. This is for the nail that holds the crank in place. Fasten the rod securely between the fore legs of the mule at the position indicated. The tail is then fastened with two 1/2" brads. Paint the mule and rider in contrasting colors.
Bucking Mule
Bucking Mule
Next, make the frame and wheels as follows: Saw out two 5" wheels and bore the center holes to fit tight on the wire axle and to run true. The frame, the handle, the sides and end are shaped from 1/2" stock. The two upright pieces are made of 3/8" stock and securely fastened on the inner faces of the sides. Then the sides are nailed to the end piece and the handle. Cuts are sawed into the lower edge of the sides, 2" from the end to form a bearing for the axle. Paint wheels red and frame green. The axle is best made by holding the wire in a vise. First, make bends 3/8" on each side of the middle point. Then make the second pair of bends 1-1/4" from the middle. Near each end of the axle, flattened places are hammered so that, when driven into the wheels, they will not turn. Drive the wheels onto the axle. Put the axle in place, drive nails into the sides, and bend them over the axle to hold it in place. Take the mule, put the projection from the body between the two uprights on the frame, insert a 1-1/2" nail thru the three holes, and bend the end back. Join the connecting rod to the crank. Stride the rider on the mule and insert a nail thru his thighs and the back of the mule. With a neat cord connect the hands to the mouth of the mule, for a bridle. Take hold of the handle and watch the mule gallop when you push him along.
Rider for Bucking Mule
Rider for Bucking Mule
FOX-AND-GOOSE GAME
This game is played by two people on a board with 33 holes, as shown in the drawing. The board may be made either square or octagonal. The octagon is made from a square by placing one point of the compass at a corner and the other point at the center of the board. With each corner in turn as a center, draw arcs intersecting the edges of the board. Connect these points of intersection across the corners of the board; saw off the four triangles. Smooth the edges and chamfer. Lay out and bore the holes. Make 26 pegs to fit loose. Leave 24 white for the geese and color 2 red for the foxes.
In playing the game, all the pegs are put in their places. The foxes at Nos. 9 and 11; the geese at 7, 8, 12, 13, and consecutively up to 33. The foxes and geese can move on the lines only, in any direction from one hole to the next. A fox can also jump over a goose and take it, provided the hole just beyond it is vacant. In fact, the fox can jump and take several geese in various directions if conditions permit. The geese can not jump, but they can move so as to hem in the foxes and make it impossible for them to move. This means that the foxes have lost the game. In starting the game, the player having the foxes gets the first move. His aim is to jump and capture all the geese and win the game. Each player takes turn in moving. When crowding a goose in on a fox, the player always has another goose behind it so that the fox can not jump it. This game is one of the kind that requires foresight and study. It is highly interesting and entertaining, and by experience, players may become quite expert at the game.
Solitaire—This same board may also be used for the solitaire game. However, that requires 32 pegs. They are put in all the holes except No. 17. The object is to jump and take all the pegs but one, and it must land in hole 17. Unaided, this is difficult to do, and it would take a long time for a person to discover a solution. For this reason, the reader is presented with the following "Key": 5 jumps to 17 and takes 10, 12 to 10 and takes 11, etc.; 3 to 11, 1-3, 18-6, 3-11, 30-18, 27-25, 13-27, 24-26, 27-25, 22-24, 31-23, 33-31, 16-28, 31-23, 4-16, 7-9, 21-7, 10-8, 7-9, 24-22, 22-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-26, 26-24, 17-15, 29-17, 18-16, 15-17.
Fox-and-Geese Game
Fox-and-Geese Game
NINE MEN'S MILL
This is a game that is played by two persons and is as fascinating as it is old. The upper part of the board is 3/8" thick and has 24 holes bored thru it, as shown in the drawing. The lower board is 7-1/2" square and 1/4" thick, and extends 1/4" beyond the top board on all sides. The grain in the two boards should run at right angles when fastened together. The 18 pegs are 3/8" in diameter and 1" long. Each player has a set of 9 pegs, the sets being differently colored. In starting a game, each player takes his turn in putting a peg into a hole till all the pegs are put down. Then they take turns in moving the pegs. A peg may be moved from one hole to the next and only along rows parallel with the edges of the board, not along the rows that run from corners of the board to its center. That is, along rows 1, 2, 3 or 2, 5, 8, but not along rows 1, 4, 7. The object of a player in putting down pegs and in moving is to get a Mill; that is, get 3 pegs in a row parallel with the edges of the board. For example: Pegs in holes 4, 5, 6 or 2, 5, 8 makes a Mill, but not 3, 6, 9. When a player gets a Mill, he can take one of his opponent's pegs that is not in a Mill. Another aim of a player is to place his pegs so that he prevents his opponent from getting a Mill. When the pegs of one of the players have all been taken except 3, then he is allowed to jump anywhere on the board. When the pegs are all gone but two, then the game is lost. When a player can get 5 pegs into holes situated as 7, 8, 9 and 4, 6, then he has a double Mill by moving from 8 to 5 and from 5 to 8, etc., and pick one of his opponent's pegs for each move.
Nine Mens Mill
Nine Men's Mill
DISK PUZZLE
This problem consists of a base, three spindles and seven disks of different diameters. The spindles are fitted tight into holes in the base and rounded at the top so the disks will slide over freely. The seven disks are laid out on the wood with compass, and to prevent splitting the holes are all bored before the sawing is done.
The parts may receive a finish of stain and two or three coats of shellac. Polish with No. 1/2 sand-paper between each coat.
Puzzle—Place all disks on one spindle, decreasing in sizes upward. The object is to transfer the disks to one of the other spindles and to be in the same order. In doing this, never have more than one disk at a time removed from the spindles, and never place a larger disk on top of a smaller one.
BALL PUZZLE
At first it is not evident why this is called a ball puzzle, but, when let into the secret, most people see at once a good reason for naming it so. The wooden ball or marble is hidden from sight inside of the wood and may be shifted in position from the middle to the upper piece of the puzzle and vice versa (Fig. 21).
The problem is to slide the middle piece off of the pin that projects up from the lower piece and swing it around its pivot. This pivot is a 1-1/2" round-headed screw, fitting loosely in the upper two and fixed in the lower piece. A 1/2" hole is bored thru the middle and 1/2" deep in the upper piece to hold the 7/16" ball. This hole is bored so it touches the hole for the screw. In the middle piece, the screw can slide into it. In order to make the ball leave its position in the middle piece, the puzzle must be held upside down. The drawings show the puzzle both closed and open, and supply directions for constructing this interesting problem.
Finish with stain and two coats of shellac. This puzzle may be a source of much genuine amusement when a circle of friends come together and all want a hand at opening it, each having his advice to give how to solve this mysterious problem.
