Skid Steer Loader from Construction Series of Wood Magazine with some modifications!

[crowie]

I've started a new project for myself and of course something for the grandsons to play with!!

A Skid Steer Loader [a Bobcat as most know them] from Construction Series of Wood Magazine with some modifications I'm sure!!???....

It's smaller than I imagined from the plan photos and I had to run a number of sticks of timber through the thicknesser to get the imperial sizes correct.... the plan doesn't work very well if you just convert imperial measurements to metric [been caught before].....

Just working through the cutting list but have already changed out a couple of the blanks for different timber to give a nice colour mix...
[Huon pine, Tassie oak, Spotted gum and some of that 100+ year old Boston organ]

Cheers, crowie

PS - Handy was needed to put to work before he got up to any mischief.....lol....

[Matador]

Hi Peter,

Great work on your Bobcat so far. Looking forward to seeing the final
finish.


Cheers Graham.

[Treecycle]

Good to see you into another build. I will be keeping an eye on how you are going. Nice variety of timbers being used for colour variation.
Are the plans for all the vehicles shown in the photo of the magazine, in that edition?

[crowie]

Good to see you into another build. I will be keeping an eye on how you are going. Nice variety of timbers being used for colour variation.
Are the plans for all the vehicles shown in the photo of the magazine, in that edition?

G'Day "Treecycle", I've sent a "pm" to you to answer your question,
but generally speaking Wood Magazine have put the Construction Series plans out over the past 6-8 years in various issues.
Cheers crowie

[artme]

Who is going to have the most fun Crowie - You building the thing or the kids playing with it?:U:U:U

Watching with interest.:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[A Duke]

Who is going to have the most fun Crowie - You building the thing or the kids playing with it?:U:U:U

Watching with interest.:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

And the winner is HANDY.

:D

[fozzy767]

I'm glad to see you building this. Wood magazine has some really nice toy plans in their magazine

[Dalboy]

Looks like you have made a great start Peter should be a great toy when finished. I see Handy is ready for work:2tsup:

[crowie]

Firstly THANK YOU one and all for the encouragement..... I really enjoy the camaraderie on the forum.

It has been a frustrating few days of first not getting back into the shed, then having to remake a number of the parts due to mistakes & error....

I changed the blade on the bandsaw to a finer tooth blade then had to a full re-setup on it as i noticed a couple of issues....cuts well again now....

Here's the progress thus far!!

The bucket arms end split as I attempted to drill the pivot holes in the end....very disappointing...
On the remake of the bucket arms I increased the timber size from 1/4" thick to 3/8" and instead of using the Boston organ timber, I used the side of a very old drawer which came from my father-in-law many years ago [fine tight grain]. I went diagonally across the grain to try to increase the arm strength plus increased the width of the lower part of the arm from 3/8" to 1/2".

The counter weight /back of the bobcat has been remade in "spotted gum" as I'd originally cut the grain the wrong way....

The cabin roof is now some other sort of gum tree timber I found in my "u-beaut box".....

The floor of the cabin & the mudguards have been remade [Tassie Oak] as I undercut the cutout in the counter weight....

I'll use the old floor piece to glue to the inside of the roof to provide a location plus strength for the top of the cabin sides....

I cut the blanks for the cabin sides out twice but have only done the shaping once....

I didn't waste too much timber, I used the offcuts from the original arms to make the bucket parts....

I've increased the thickness of the bucket pivots from 1/4" to 3/8" in Tassie Oak...

All in all a calamity of errors but a load of fun, you can't beat a day in the shed working with timber and making a wooden toy....

Here's a few photos with muck-up's included....lol...
Cheers, Crowie

[Treecycle]

All in all a calamity of errors but a load of fun, you can't beat a day in the shed working with timber and making a wooden toy....


Can't argue with that statement. Wish I could do that but it's back to work tomorrow.
Does the plan give any advice on the bucket arms? Doesn't seem like a good design trying to cut them out of solid timber with weak short grain. I would think that ply would be a good option if they still fail.
Good to see you persisting and not giving up in disgust. Keep the photos coming.

[Keith_1]

Pete,

Part of the fun is making the mistakes and then fixing them up !!!!

Keith

[artme]

Good progress there Crowie!!:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[Matador]

Hi Peter,

You didn't make mistakes just a error. When I started out in woodwork I made a lot of mistakes because I still was green. Like an old woodworker toll me back than its not a mistake just an error. He said a mistake is when you walk out onto the road and hit by a car and get killed that a mistake. A error is when you cut a board too short or split it or glue it in the wrong place but you can fix it. Most woodwork project are frustrating specially toys. You have worked out how fixed your errors. You have to look at this way every time you make an error it teacher you how to become better woodworker and you just get that little bit more excellents. You learn how to get around the problems and how you can do it better next time. All the toys I seen you make and you have shown on the forum are excellent toys. The bobcat you are doing look like a great project. Looking forward seeing the finish bobcat.


Cheers Graham.

[fozzy767]

We all make mistakes. Part of being a woodworking is covering and hiding mistakes. If anyone looks at pics and criticizes someone else's work, maybe they should take a good hard look at their work. We all hide mistakes. Part of me making my own toys with no plans, I'm constantly messing up

[bj383ss]

Good progress Peter. I understand completely how you feel about the mistakes. We are our own worst critics. If you didn't mention the mistakes most likely none of us would have noticed.:D My dad told me once the road to becoming a craftsman at your trade is learning to hide your mistakes. He was spot on I think.

Good for you for continuing on. It is hard to remake something you just made over and wasting some wood. My 32' Ford body has about 3 days worth of work on it and it was a complete failure as there is no way for me to thin the body panels out to realistic scale now that it is all glued up. I am at a loss on how to continue with it so it got put to the side and I am off to work on the 64' Chevy. I have made several mistakes working on it just trying my best to hide them. LOL

Look forward to the next installment.

P.S. you could have blamed all the mistakes on HANDY!!!


Bret

[crowie]

Thank you Dallas, Keith, Arthur, Graham, Mike & Bret......very much appreciate the kind words and YES we/I do learn from my/our mistakes.....

Part of the reasoning for confessing and highlighting them is/was to help others who might do the project see how I've tackled the mistakes/errors..

The one issue I didn't originally mention is that when I printed off the patterns of the plans, they were some 5-10% small than the actual required measurements. I had to copy the printouts the with some trial and error method managed to up-scale the pattern to the correct measurements. I then went across the whole plan filling in all the additional measurements to complete the plan so I didn't have to rely on the pattern to draw out the plan of each specific part. I'll scan and save this information for anyone who'd like a copy.

Today was a little cool at 6.30am but now 8.00am the sun is streaming into the house with 19-20deg"c" expected; after some chores & trip into the town I should have some shed time to continue on with the bobcat...

Cheers, crowie

PS - Can't blame a little mate for my mistakes.....

[Prime mover]

Peter I think I would use ply arms that short cross grain will only give you grief.
When I drill near the end of something I drill first then cut it out no splitting timber that way.
"If you dont do anything you dont make mistakes"
Phil

[crowie]

Peter I think I would use ply arms that short cross grain will only give you grief.
When I drill near the end of something I drill first then cut it out no splitting timber that way.
"If you dont do anything you dont make mistakes"
Phil

Thanks Phil, Re-reading the instructions, it says to drill the hole first :whistling2::whistling2:...
On the ply, I've not seen any top shelf ply in the local area that I'd be happy with....maybe someone at the wood show will help with some direction.
Cheers, crowie

[crowie]

Not a lot of progress today after spending 1.5hrs in town delivering "Car Boot Sale" Fund Raiser fliers for the Local Boys & Girls Club to a whole heap of local shops .... the funds will be used to get a squad of 20 gymnastics to Helsinki next July for the International Gymnaestrada, Display Festival ..... some 25000 - 30000 participants over 10 days which only happens every 4years.....

I did a lot of sanding plus routed all the edges that the plan said to do....got to love the 1/8" round-over bit on a Dremel Router table..

The biggest job was to shape the bevels, then glue the bucket before sanding it....

Tomorrow is the usual Tuesday morning medical appointments so may not get back to it until later in the week...
Cheers, crowie

[Repliconics]

Great to see another episode in the Crowie & Handy's Toys For All series!
Honestly mate you must have the best sandpit in the world. :2tsup:
Looking great Crowie.

Cheers
Trev.

[crowie]

Great to see another episode in the Crowie & Handy's Toys For All series!
Honestly mate you must have the best sandpit in the world. :2tsup:
Looking great Crowie.

Cheers
Trev.

No sandpit Trev, but the grandsons drive them all over the house fill tip truck & farm truck with blocks or Lego or connecting up the crane or tow truck along with the lowloaders... they have a ball, and so do I just watching them play...good for the soul... Cheers Peter

[Treecycle]

I hope you're not away from the job for too long otherwise Handy might get up to mischief, and we need another installment.
I don't get much time to play during the week so I need you to give me my fix.
A few of us from our club are going to a local Scout group on Wednesday night to do a demonstration, and help them put some kits together. This is also good for the soul.

[Dalboy]

Coming along slowly Peter shame about the small hic ups. What you have managed to do looks great.

[Prime mover]

Peter if you cant get good ply, put a piece through the planer so it is a bit thinner and glue them together on a cross grain with each other, you get a strong arm for the bobcat that way.
Phil.

[PLD]

Great build so far. Thanks for doing the build thread. I like some of Wood's plans they are pretty easy to follow and it's fun to look for where you can modify/improve on them. Be watching this with great interest. :2tsup:

[crowie]

Peter if you cant get good ply, put a piece through the planer so it is a bit thinner and glue them together on a cross grain with each other, you get a strong arm for the bobcat that way.
Phil.

Thanks Phil, I'm going to try cutting a thin slice of merbau to use to glue/laminate along the inside of both arms.... Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

Great build so far. Thanks for doing the build thread. I like some of Wood's plans they are pretty easy to follow and it's fun to look for where you can modify/improve on them. Be watching this with great interest. :2tsup:

Thanks Paul, I do try to do the WIP as I appreciate it heaps when others do them; good point of learning before the doing....Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

Thanks Phil, I'm going to try cutting a thin slice of merbau to use to glue/laminate along the inside of both arms.... Cheers, Peter

I got home early enough to have an hour in the shed BUT SORRY no photos today...

I'm going to use & modify Phil's suggestion, but with the same timber as the bucket, not merbau so as to no to introduce another timber.

The timber is very pretty and old; it machines/cuts beautifully into thin 3/4" strips of 1.3 to 2.0mm thick for laminating/gluing to the inside of each arm. The arms will end up between 11-12mm thick.....

I will though have to remake the arm corner braces in the same timber...

Here's the old thread of how I sourced/scored this timber with the reference Bret found on the history on "wikipedia"...

http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=145998

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_and_Hamlin

Tomorrow is gardening day at our daughters with my darling wife, Tracey; but I may get a little time in the afternoon to do some more and hopefully with photos plus Handy's assistance of course...
Cheers, crowie

[crowie]

Just a thought...maybe someone could identify the species of timber in the bucket for me, please...Thank you advance. Cheers crowie

[crowie]

Apologies again - but no photos today...

I did get an hour in the shed this afternoon were I ripped a 3mm strip of the Boston Organ timber and remade the arm braces...

I cut & glued/laminated the the same timber in 1.3mm strips along the inside edge of the bucket arms....it's now clamped awaiting the glue to dry....
Once it's dried, I'll sand it and possibility run the arms through the router again....

Maybe a photo of the finished arms tomorrow....

Has anyone any suggestions on the timber species yet???

Cheers, crowie

[Treecycle]

Could it be Blackwood? Do you know and just testing us, or are you wanting to know?

[crowie]

Could it be Blackwood? Do you know and just testing us, or are you wanting to know?

Thank you Dallas, I have no idea what the timber species is except to say it's about 120yrs old for a Boston Pump Organ....Cheers crowie.

This is a quote from Bret back when I was originally given the timber/organ....
Wow Crowie Awesome score. I had a look on Wikipedia link here.
Mason and Hamlin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_and_Hamlin).
At the bottom are several models and it seems they are all made of Mahogany. There is also other woods listed such as bubinga, walnut and rosewood.
Man those pieces are going to make some awesome toys. If only the wood could talk. Bret

[Treecycle]

Well I think that guess was way off the mark given that history.

[crowie]

Okay some photos on the progress.....

As suggested by Phil, I have laminated a 1.3mm strip of the Boston Organ timber to the inside of the arms which I have glued longitudinally on each arm with the join under the arm brace which was remade in the arm supports in the same timber. The last 2 photos show the inside & outside of the arms..

To show some progress Handy and I have done a bit of a "mock up" BUT this has highlighted another human error which will need rectifying...I'm pretty sure I've worked out how I'm going to do it...All will be revealed at a later date.

In today's photos, I've tried to do a better photo of the bucket were I've used the Boston Organ timber, just in case someone can actually identify the particular species I'm using [maybe some of the USA toymakers/scale modellers might know it], thank you.

Along with the "fix up", I need to get the scrollsaw off the shelf to cut the cabin windows out; maybe a new blade on the Tassie Oak would be wise.

Well today has been another good day; suns shining with a warm 20deg"C", visited the old bloke I regularly see on Thursdays for the Local Neighbourhood Centre and got some shed time before having to cook tea for my darling wife....isn't life grand... Cheers, crowie

[Repliconics]

Looking Smurftastic as always :2tsup:
Your both doing a great job.

Trev.

[bj383ss]

Top Build Peter. I am no expert at identifying wood species but it looks like Walnut to me. Which would make sense it coming from the organ. Walnut is very plentiful here. You and Handy are doing a great job building a TOY. LOL

Bret

P.S. Not wanting to hijack your thread Peter here are two photos wanted to share with you.

http://images42.fotki.com/v1630/photos/4/1710564/11093382/DSCN8277-vi.jpg

http://images116.fotki.com/v107/photos/4/1710564/11093382/photo-vi.jpg

[Dalboy]

Peter the skid loader is coming along nice;y and I think it is wise to laminate the arms for added strength.

Brett that is looking absolutely great I like the way you have made the wood look so good it could be real:)(:rofl::rofl::rofl:Seriously you have done a fantastic job

[artme]

Someone is having a bucket load of fun!!!:rolleyes:

[Repliconics]

Someone is having a bucket load of fun!!!:rolleyes:

And the best pun of the day award go's to Artme:1st:

[crowie]

Top Build Peter. I am no expert at identifying wood species but it looks like Walnut to me. Which would make sense it coming from the organ. Walnut is very plentiful here. You and Handy are doing a great job building a TOY. LOL

Bret

P.S. Not wanting to hijack your thread Peter here are two photos wanted to share with you.

http://images42.fotki.com/v1630/photos/4/1710564/11093382/DSCN8277-vi.jpg

http://images116.fotki.com/v107/photos/4/1710564/11093382/photo-vi.jpg

G'day Bret, I don't have an issue with you highjacking the thread to let me drool over your 64 Chevy Pickup rebuild in that almost Aeroplane Hanger of a shed.....

BUT I'm somewhat envious of the space and the project....dibs of a drive when she's finished...QUESTON: have you modified/upgraded the rear suspension??

Thank you for the suggestion on the timber species "walnut" and the encouragement for Handy & me on the build... Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

Someone is having a bucket load of fun!!!:rolleyes:


And the best pun of the day award go's to Artme:1st:

Thank you Arthur & Trevor for the humor, yes I'm having fun in the shed doing some simple woodwork......:roflmao2::roflmao2::rotfl::rotfl::roflmao::roflmao:

[crowie]

Peter the skid loader is coming along nice;y and I think it is wise to laminate the arms for added strength.

Brett that is looking absolutely great I like the way you have made the wood look so good it could be real:)(:rofl::rofl::rofl:Seriously you have done a fantastic job

Yes Derek, I really appreciate the help, assistance & knowledge of others, it was Phil's suggestion, something I hadn't thought of, BUT will try to remember it for future projects. Cheers Peter

[Repliconics]

Thank you Arthur & Trevor for the humour, yes I'm having fun in the shed doing some simple woodwork.

Good try Crowie but your work in the shed is as sharp as a tack :2tsup:

love/15 on your serve Pete :U

Trev.

[PLD]

The build is looking great.

[Keith_1]

Peter,

I really like the loader, it is coming up a treat. Job really well done.

Regards

Keith

[old1955]

Great looking job Peter. Hope Handy can get a seat made to measure.

Ross

[crowie]

Good try Crowie but your work in the shed is as sharp as a tack :2tsup:

love/15 on your serve Pete :U

Trev.

But Trev, I only have true love....not 15......game, set and match [prefect match indeed]..... Peter

[crowie]

The build is looking great.

Thank you Paul, Yes starting to look okay!!!


Peter,

I really like the loader, it is coming up a treat. Job really well done.

Regards

Keith

Thank you Keith, I'm not good at following plans but it's getting there... Peter


Great looking job Peter. Hope Handy can get a seat made to measure.

Ross

Thank you Ross, I've mucked up Handy's seat.....he doesn't fit in the cabin anymore....Peter

[crowie]

Thank you one and all.....
I've had a good day; umpired junior netball this morning [U8's & U12's] nothing too fast that I can't keep up with, though sore tonight.
I spent a good 3 hours in the shed working on the Bobcat making some noticeable progress....
I fixed the mistake as previously mentioned then got out the scrollsaw, fitted a new #9 2way blade to cut out the cabin windows...
Sanding and a cabin glue up followed....I added the extra piece between the top of the cabin sides under the roof for strength [little boy proofing] and then added 2 headlights to the front/top of the cabin.....
I've done a bit of a mockup for a photo opportunity for Handy plus the cabin on its own...
Maybe more tomorrow..Cheers, crowie

[Repliconics]

More great work Crowie.
But Handy's in a dangerous position on top of that digger.
Working on smurf scale he could be a good ten feet up there.
With no harness on.
Man if the OH&S boys get sight of this type of shenanigans
there'll be trouble :o

Luvin the build mate
Trev.

[DaveTTC]

Nice work Crowie. Some banter on another thread prompted me to check out some other work in the toy forum.


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

[Treecycle]

Looks like you are on a roll with it now. All the problems behind you we hope.:U

[crowie]

More great work Crowie.
But Handy's in a dangerous position on top of that digger.
Working on smurf scale he could be a good ten feet up there.
With no harness on.
Man if the OH&S boys get sight of this type of shenanigans
there'll be trouble :o

Luvin the build mate
Trev.

Come on Trevor, I'm sure I saw Handy with a harness and skyhook securing him up there....... :D .......Handy's as safe as houses.. Cheers crowie

[crowie]

Nice work Crowie. Some banter on another thread prompted me to check out some other work in the toy forum.


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Yes Dave, That sort of banter isn't good for anyone and downgrades the whole show.....I feel bad about it all for everyone.....
I was taught to keep my gob shut if I can't say something nice, BUT of course the mouth sometimes gets engaged before the brain is in gear....
I hope you enjoy this little build with Handy & me...Cheers crowie

[crowie]

Looks like you are on a roll with it now. All the problems behind you we hope.:U

Thanks Dallas, Not quite rolling yet, the wheels were only propped up on the side of the base....:D....
and YES I hope all the human issues of the build are behind....been fun though, thus far. Cheers crowie

[Keith_1]

Love your work Peter

Keep it up

Regards

Keith

[Hermit]

Hi Peter. I've been a bad boy and haven't checked the 'Toymaking' index for a while, so I completely missed this build. :-
At least I arrived before it was all over.

Looking good, and I'm pleased to hear that you overcame the problems along the way. As I've learned, (the hard way), errors/mistakes are a part of the game. How well they're overcome is what's important.
Keep up the good work. :2tsup:

[crowie]

Hi Peter. I've been a bad boy and haven't checked the 'Toymaking' index for a while, so I completely missed this build. :-
At least I arrived before it was all over.

Looking good, and I'm pleased to hear that you overcame the problems along the way. As I've learned, (the hard way), errors/mistakes are a part of the game. How well they're overcome is what's important.
Keep up the good work. :2tsup:


Very good to see you visiting your old mates in the toy & model section ..... :D ..... Thank you Steve, Cheers Peter

[crowie]

Now a question for all PLEASE!!!

How does one, how do you STOP GLUE SLIP, please.....[I'm just using a cross link good quality PVA glue]

I've just spent almost an hour, very frustrated with the cabin of the bobcat moving on the chassis even after I'd clamped in place with 4 clamps...
For some reason I then rechecked the fitment, watching & waiting for the glue to dry only to have to dismantle it and start again...
Here's hoping it's correct this time.....

Appreciate any and all suggestion from those with the "know-how" of proven methods, thank you.
Cheers, crowie

[DaveTTC]

I know some might use masking tape. If you are using the 'rub' method for gluing this should work well


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

[crowie]

I know some might use masking tape. If you are using the 'rub' method for gluing this should work well


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Sorry Dave, But I'm none the wiser, so will have a chart on Friday at the Sydney Wood Show.... Cheers, crowie

[DaveTTC]

friday it is


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

[Hermit]

Now a question for all PLEASE!!!

How does one, how do you STOP GLUE SLIP, please.....[I'm just using a cross link good quality PVA glue]

I've just spent almost an hour, very frustrated with the cabin of the bobcat moving on the chassis even after I'd clamped in place with 4 clamps...
For some reason I then rechecked the fitment, watching & waiting for the glue to dry only to have to dismantle it and start again...
Here's hoping it's correct this time.....

Appreciate any and all suggestion from those with the "know-how" of proven methods, thank you.
Cheers, crowie

Pete, the first thing that will help is to use Titebond 'Original'. (Not TBII or TBIII) It has a much faster tack time then grips firmly and tends to slide around less.

Something else I do sometimes is to drive a few short brads half-way into one half of the joint, then cut off the heads leaving about 3mm of brad proud of the surface.
Then, when you bring the pieces together, the brads 'dig in' and prevent slippage. Just make sure you know exactly where they are if there's further machining to be done.

Also, rubbing the pieces together when you first bring them together will squeeze out the excess glue better, reducing slippage. (Can't do this when using brads though.)

Edit: Great minds think alike. (Below)

[A Duke]

Hi,
To stop pieces slipping out of place, knock a couple of brads in one surface and cut them off about 3mm at the diagonal with side cutters leaving sharp ends to dig into the other surface when you clamp them together.
Regards

[A Duke]

How,s that for simultaneous response?

[DaveTTC]

on the brad front sometimes I use sewing pins and push them in usung pliers and then cut as you guys have suggested

SHHHHHHH

dont tell the wife


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

[Keith_1]

Peter,

I saw a thing on Better Homes and Gardens - Yes - I do watch it, where they glued using white PVA glue and secured the joint so I wouldn't move by using masking tape over the join. Pulled the tape pretty tight over the join - it worked. I also glue up both parts to be secured, rub them together, wipe off excess, wait a couple of minutes to dry a bit, glue again and it doesn't tend to slip.

Keith

[crowie]

Hi,
To stop pieces slipping out of place, knock a couple of brads in one surface and cut them off about 3mm at the diagonal with side cutters leaving sharp ends to dig into the other surface when you clamp them together.
Regards


Pete, the first thing that will help is to use Titebond 'Original'. (Not TBII or TBIII) It has a much faster tack time then grips firmly and tends to slide around less.

Something else I do sometimes is to drive a few short brads half-way into one half of the joint, then cut off the heads leaving about 3mm of brad proud of the surface.
Then, when you bring the pieces together, the brads 'dig in' and prevent slippage. Just make sure you know exactly where they are if there's further machining to be done.

Also, rubbing the pieces together when you first bring them together will squeeze out the excess glue better, reducing slippage. (Can't do this when using brads though.)

Edit: Great minds think alike. (Below)


How,s that for simultaneous response?

Thank You "A Duke" and Thank You Steve....I've copied the brad method to file for further reference BUT will have to have a few practices first....
On the glue; I don't have any of the Titebond 'Original' BUT sounds like something for the Wood Show purchase list.....thank you...
[I've been using Fullers Maxibond Crosslinked PVA] Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

Peter,

I saw a thing on Better Homes and Gardens - Yes - I do watch it, where they glued using white PVA glue and secured the joint so I wouldn't move by using masking tape over the join. Pulled the tape pretty tight over the join - it worked. I also glue up both parts to be secured, rub them together, wipe off excess, wait a couple of minutes to dry a bit, glue again and it doesn't tend to slip.

Keith


on the brad front sometimes I use sewing pins and push them in usung pliers and then cut as you guys have suggested

SHHHHHHH

dont tell the wife


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Thank you Keith and Thank you Dave... I've added your posts to the file too..... Cheers, crowie

[crowie]

Despite today's glue difficulties I have made some good progress....

I got the cabin centred & glued, plus the engine in place along with the mudguards [fenders].....

I did a mockup to get the M5 S/S Booker Rod lengths and attached is a complete mockup; which doesn't look too bad, if I do say myself...

I included the glue I've been using in the photos; thank you for the responses & assistance gents...
Cheers, crowie

[Hermit]

Looking good, mate. :2tsup:
It's great to see Handy getting plenty of exercise, too.

Regarding Titebond Original, (an aliphatic resin glue), it does still slip initially, especially under clamping pressures, but not as bad as PVA and it has a much faster tack time. I've been rub-jointing the segments for my turnings using TB Original for that reason. Last week, I ran out for a few days and used Titebond II instead, but it was much slower to begin to tack - 5 minutes vs about 10 seconds. Back to the original now, it's much better for that sort of thing.

For fiddly things that want to move around, sometimes it's better to use thin CA instead, too. You can clamp or hold the parts in place, then trickle the CA into the joint. It 'wicks' into the joint, then dries really quickly so you don't have to hold the parts together for long. Usually just a few seconds.

[Treecycle]

Now a question for all PLEASE!!!

How does one, how do you STOP GLUE SLIP, please.....[I'm just using a cross link good quality PVA glue]

I've just spent almost an hour, very frustrated with the cabin of the bobcat moving on the chassis even after I'd clamped in place with 4 clamps...
For some reason I then rechecked the fitment, watching & waiting for the glue to dry only to have to dismantle it and start again...
Here's hoping it's correct this time.....

Appreciate any and all suggestion from those with the "know-how" of proven methods, thank you.
Cheers, crowie

I find that if you put too much glue on the surfaces they move around easily like ice on a piece of glass. I normally apply small lines of glue with gaps between, and then as others have said, rub the two parts together and the glue can spread out into the gaps creating a very thin layer which will stick quickly. A thick layer of glue does not make for a stronger joint. Sometimes rather than trying to clamp something that wants to move around, I just put a weight of some sort on top of it. This takes away the forces that clamps can apply to try to push parts out of line.
You have made good progress today even with your frustrations.

[bj383ss]

Peter,

You've gotten several good tips on gluing. Here's is how I do it for toys and scale models. I use Titebond II. I apply thin layers and try to rub the parts if possible. My big secret...I don't use any clamps. I try to set the glue up so that just gravity holds it in place. I know you are suppose to clamp glue joints but I have had more actual wood parts break on toys and never the glue joint. Now when I build cabinets or structure support builds I clamp. But I ran into the same problem as you with movement. Plus sometimes with all the clamps you can't see if you have things straight. Now sometimes if the parts are sturdy enough I use my vise on the workbench to clamp but ever so slight as to apply a little bit of pressure. But in all honesty the Train and the Scania Truck, and almost all my toys I used no clamps.

Just my .02 cents.

Bret

[Repliconics]

I reckon all of the above is pretty good in the way of advice.
Where possible rubbing the two surfaces together before letting the glue set is spot on.
I'm a lot like Bret in that I rarely use clamps even on the larger parts I make.
A few pieces of masking tap usually does the trick.
But if you have two flat and clean surfaces I'd never under estimate good old super glue.
And just to be right outside the square.
If you've ever got some bodyfiller laying around, put a layer of it between two pieces of wood
and good luck getting it apart when it hardens.
I use it as glue quite a lot!

Cheers
Trev.

[crowie]

I find that if you put too much glue on the surfaces they move around easily like ice on a piece of glass. I normally apply small lines of glue with gaps between, and then as others have said, rub the two parts together and the glue can spread out into the gaps creating a very thin layer which will stick quickly. A thick layer of glue does not make for a stronger joint. Sometimes rather than trying to clamp something that wants to move around, I just put a weight of some sort on top of it. This takes away the forces that clamps can apply to try to push parts out of line.
You have made good progress today even with your frustrations.


Peter,

You've gotten several good tips on gluing. Here's is how I do it for toys and scale models. I use Titebond II. I apply thin layers and try to rub the parts if possible. My big secret...I don't use any clamps. I try to set the glue up so that just gravity holds it in place. I know you are suppose to clamp glue joints but I have had more actual wood parts break on toys and never the glue joint. Now when I build cabinets or structure support builds I clamp. But I ran into the same problem as you with movement. Plus sometimes with all the clamps you can't see if you have things straight. Now sometimes if the parts are sturdy enough I use my vise on the workbench to clamp but ever so slight as to apply a little bit of pressure. But in all honesty the Train and the Scania Truck, and almost all my toys I used no clamps.

Just my .02 cents.

Bret


I reckon all of the above is pretty good in the way of advice.
Where possible rubbing the two surfaces together before letting the glue set is spot on.
I'm a lot like Bret in that I rarely use clamps even on the larger parts I make.
A few pieces of masking tap usually does the trick.
But if you have two flat and clean surfaces I'd never under estimate good old super glue.
And just to be right outside the square.
If you've ever got some bodyfiller laying around, put a layer of it between two pieces of wood
and good luck getting it apart when it hardens.
I use it as glue quite a lot!

Cheers
Trev.


Thank you Dallas, Bret & Trev for the advice; it's been added to the file with the others that have given assistance...Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

The Assembly has happened and the painting has started.....

The sunrise this morning was magnificent and the morning was shaping up to give a bottler day, THEN morning tea time it went overcast.
Since then the temperature has tried to remind us that it's winter complete with a cool breeze...not good for pressure pack spraying of wooden toys.
I stayed in the shed to start applying the clear gloss lacquer..

Here's a sneak preview tease of the final result!!!

Cheers, crowie

[Keith_1]

That looks a beautiful finish Peter.

Well Done !!!


Keith

[Hermit]

That finish is coming up really great Peter. Love the badge, too. :2tsup:
I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing with the finish on. It'll be a knockout.

[Treecycle]

Thanks for the tease Peter. Should keep us going until tomorrow. If the temperature is like it is here today, the finish will not be dry tomorrow.
I hope you brought a container load of those badges for all the future builds just to mark your work as yours.

[crowie]

That looks a beautiful finish Peter.

Well Done !!!


Keith


That finish is coming up really great Peter. Love the badge, too. :2tsup:
I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing with the finish on. It'll be a knockout.


Thanks for the tease Peter. Should keep us going until tomorrow. If the temperature is like it is here today, the finish will not be dry tomorrow.
I hope you brought a container load of those badges for all the future builds just to mark your work as yours.

Thank you Keith, Steve and Dallas.....Been difficult to spray paint the lacquer over the past couple of cold, windy days......Cheers, Peter

[crowie]

Finished.....

With all my mistakes and modifications I'm finally finished.....4 coats of clear gloss pressure pack lacquer......
Handy wasn't able to speak quick enough to warn me that I'd over done the spraying in some areas [complete with a run or two], so I've had to give into him on the extra photos [he's such a ham].....

Here's a list of the modifications:
bucket arms, arms cross-brace, engine & arms mounting, bucket arm mounts, nylon washers between all moving timber parts, S/S washer on the wheels under the axle pegs, roof cabin brace, headlights, taillights, number plate [Peterbilt of course], exhaust pipe, bumper bars front & rear....

Thank you one & all for the encouragement and support - it's been a fun project and I'm sure my grandsons will have a heap of fun playing with it...

Cheers, crowie...


PS - The big mistake I mentioned earlier - I misread the plans/pattern on the engine compartment, so have added a piece of Black Sassafras on each side of the engine compartment with I'm saying are the hydraulics for the arms.....

[Keith_1]

Peter,

That looks absolutely fantastic. The finish lacquer has come up treat as well. You should be very proud of what you have made - it's great.

Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Keith

[Treecycle]

That looks really great Peter. The finish really brings out the colours. The domed and Nyloc nuts add some finishing touches and removes the exposed thread on the bucket arm pivots. The added washers will make all the parts move nicely.
Looking forward to finishing the sandpit digger and having a go at one of those plans you sent me. So many plans, so little time:no:.

[oneye]

Looks great.
I like the peterbilt emblem.

[Hermit]

A very impressive finish Pete. It looks great. You can be proud of this little loader. :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

I like the look of the contrasting timbers on the arms. It worked well, and adds interest.

Makes me want to try my hand at toy-making sometime, but I have no little kids to give them to. My 'little kid' is in her 30's, no kids of her own (yet).

[crowie]

Peter,

That looks absolutely fantastic. The finish lacquer has come up treat as well. You should be very proud of what you have made - it's great.

Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Keith


That looks really great Peter. The finish really brings out the colours. The domed and Nyloc nuts add some finishing touches and removes the exposed thread on the bucket arm pivots. The added washers will make all the parts move nicely.
Looking forward to finishing the sandpit digger and having a go at one of those plans you sent me. So many plans, so little time:no:.


A very impressive finish Pete. It looks great. You can be proud of this little loader. :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

I like the look of the contrasting timbers on the arms. It worked well, and adds interest.

Makes me want to try my hand at toy-making sometime, but I have no little kids to give them to. My 'little kid' is in her 30's, no kids of her own (yet).

Thank you Keith, Steve & Dallas.....I love the timber colours too....while the 120yr old Boston Walnut bucket is beautiful but the Aussie hardwoods as just magnificent...

[crowie]

Looks great.
I like the peterbilt emblem.

Thanks "oneye".... I had a bit of trouble getting the lapel pins from the Peterbilt merchandising store BUT I do love them on my toys... Cheers, crowie

[crowie]

The son-in-law had to work back this afternoon, so our daughter dropped the grandsons off at ours while she went to work...
WOW were they excited to see "pa" had finished the bobcat and just had to give it a good test drive.....
The little bloke survived being driven all over the house......it turns out the bobcat fits well in the tray of the Tough Aussie Tipper.....got to love that!!

[Keith_1]

The son-in-law had to work back this afternoon, so our daughter dropped the grandsons off at ours while she went to work...
WOW were they excited to see "pa" had finished the bobcat and just had to give it a good test drive.....
The little bloke survived being driven all over the house......it turns out the bobcat fits well in the tray of the Tough Aussie Tipper.....got to love that!!

Looks fantastic Peter,

The bobcat and tip truck go hand in hand. We are looking after our 2YO grandson tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Keith

[Treecycle]

They look fantastic together. What a coincidence they fit each other and the "Peterbilt" badges line up nicely.
I bet the little ones had a ball :yippy:

[Repliconics]

That's Totally Way Kool mate.
What a great build.
It's so Kool I'm not even going try and work a pun in.
I mean to say I really dig the hole thing :2tsup:
No wait there it is :U

Honestly Crowie you must put more smiles on more kid's faces than Santa!!!!!!!
Great stuff mate

Trev.

[Hermit]

The bobcat does fit well in the truck's tray. They make a good set.

You should have told us that was part of the plan.
No one would have known different. :wink:

[PLD]

Really turned out great! And looks like the truck and it were me meant to work together. Now you need to post that at the Wood magazine site. They would love it.

[Treecycle]

Maybe you should make some ramps for the Bobcat to get up into the truck tray now you know it all goes nicely together.

[old1955]

Terrific job Peter, bet the grandkids love it.

Ross

[DaveTTC]

I've seen it
I've plates with it

I tried to take it home

[j&j]

Pete, What a great looking combination , they look like they were made to be a team. Well done.Regard's Jim

[Dalboy]

Just got back from a long weekend Peter and i see you go and finish the skid steer loader. What a great build wel done and the combination of it and the truck looks great:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[crowie]

That's Totally Way Kool mate.
What a great build.
It's so Kool I'm not even going try and work a pun in.
I mean to say I really dig the hole thing :2tsup:
No wait there it is :U

Honestly Crowie you must put more smiles on more kid's faces than Santa!!!!!!!
Great stuff mate

Trev.

Thank you Trev...smiles is a payment which is priceless.....


The bobcat does fit well in the truck's tray. They make a good set.

You should have told us that was part of the plan.
No one would have known different. :wink:

Thank you Steve...sometimes it's class and other times just good luck.....


Really turned out great! And looks like the truck and it were me meant to work together. Now you need to post that at the Wood magazine site. They would love it.

Thank you Paul.....I'll have to investigate the Wood magazine website to see if I can....

[crowie]

Maybe you should make some ramps for the Bobcat to get up into the truck tray now you know it all goes nicely together.

Thank you Dallas..... The ramps are a nice itdea as would a tailgate for the tipper BUT it isn't going to happen.....


Terrific job Peter, bet the grandkids love it.

Ross

Thank you Ross...... The grandson have and are giving it a huge test run....


I've seen it
I've plates with it

I tried to take it home

Thank you Dave..... I'm sorry sir but your skills outway mine, so you'll have to make your own.....