Thread: Hot Rod Herbie

Hot Rod Herbie

I was looking around for a new toy to make that might appeal to children and came across an old Wood Magazine from December 1988 with a Baja Buggy I though could be interesting.

The plan suggested to make the toy from a standard 2 by 4 but that didn't thrill me so the redesign process stated to make this toy cooler.

I found in my recycled timber some old Radiata Pine and laminated two sides of Pacific Maple plus a strip across the top to get the required height.

The plan suggested window was cumbersome to cut so after the prototype was finished I changed that to a larger forstner bit drilled hole which looked a lot cleaner.

The wheels were made with a 1 3/4" holesaw and forstner bit recess before cleaning them on the sander along with a 1/4" round-over router bit. The ales have been upgraded to 5/16" [8mm] for extra strength for play.

I added 3/4" headlights and 3/8" taillights with with forstner bits.

The finish is my homemade wipe-on-poly, 3 coats.

I only did the prototype plus one other with the mudguards [fenders] as they added a stack of extra work which for a fun play toy wasn't necessary.

Cheers, Crowie

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