Woodworker's Journal 101-Projects-for-Woodworkers, страница 13

Rabbit Pull Toy

Small children iove to march back and forth with their "pets" in tow. Thus, pull toys have been and probably always will be particular favorites of the preschool group. If the toys bounce or wiggle as they're pulled, so much the better.

This bouncy cottontail is a delight. As it's pulled along, the off-center rear wheels give him a very lifelike bobbing motion. Construction is simple, and if you have a band saw, the parts can be stack-sawed for a number of rabbits.

After enlarging and transferring the pattern, the body is cut from %" pine or maple (maple is

preferable, for it can be smoothed nicely). Cut two ears and the forelegs from S4" stock.

The wheels are cut using a 2" hole saw. which will leave center holes that should be plugged before sanding. It's best to use %" stock for the wheels to provide stability when it's pulled.

Locate off-center holes in the wheels (as shown) and drill %"<leep sockets for a light fit of the % x 2" dowel axle. It's logical to assume that the greater the offset of the axle, the more motion will be imparted to the toy; but if you drill the hole too near the wheel rim, the wheel will resist turning, especially on a smooth floor.

The 1 "-diameter front wheel is cut from stock and is a loose fit on the dowel axle, which is glued into the sockets in the legs.

It is easier to sand the body before gluing and clamping the leg-wheel assembly and the ears in place. Round all edges and try to make the toy as smooth and as pleasant to the touch as possible. Wood is a warm and friendlv materia! and so much better than plastic, but only if it is finished with care.

The eyes and mouth can be added using black enamel. A commercial penetrating-oil finish is quick and easy to apply and will provide all the protective finish needed. The pull cord is inserted into a small hole bored in the head as shown, and secured with a small peg glued in place.

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