A toy crane is a good project if you want to build something on a small scale with a fair amount of detail. These plans are very well written and the diagrams are full scale, so the cutting couldn’t be any easier.

The material list can be derived from the graphic below. Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly a shopping list of material needed, but the exploded view of the crane (found when clicking on the woodworking plans link) will dive you a great visual of the project.

Good luck with this great woodworking project that is just in time for the holidays.
Written by boblaw on November 20th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Children's Wood Plans and Holiday Plans.
Remember lincoln logs? Of course you do. Well, if you are waxing nostolgic, you can build your own set of logs and a project that can be used for a toy log cabin. This project is great for a child’s toy, a holiday decoration, or a decorative building for a train set.
The project is one that is not too difficult and is from the people who make the Shopsmith Woodworking System.
- 1-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 1-1/2
- 2-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 4-1/2
- 3-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 7-1/2
- 4-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 10-1/2
- 5-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 13-1/2
- 6-notch log 3/4 x 3/4 / 16-1/2
- Other lengths add 3″ per notch
- Roof Trusses 3/4 x 1-3/4 x 6
- Chimney 3/4 x 1-3/8 x 1-3/8
- Roof Slats 1/8 x 3/4 x (variable lengths)

With this kind of project, there is no limit to the size of the project. You could make enough logs to build a small village. Working with a smaller project is a great way to hone your woodworking skills. As the scale of a project shrinks, the margin of error shrinks with it.
Good luck and have fun!
Written by boblaw on November 19th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Children's Wood Plans and Holiday Plans.
The holidays are just around the corner. Many woodworkers enjoy making holiday yard decorations. GP (Georgia Pacific) has a couple of plans at their site so that you have a template to start with. The pattern for the yard decoration is on a grid that will allow you to easily scale the size of the item. I am including links to a snowman yard decoration and a sleigh yard decoration.
Be careful, your friends and relatives are probably going to ask for one of their own.
Snowman Yard Accent Material List
• 1 Georgia-Pacific B-C Pine Plywood Panel, 19/32″ thickness (makes 2 snowmen)
• Jigsaw, sabre saw or similar power tool with plywood-cutting blade
• Transfer paper or carbon paper (at craft store)
• Large paper or grid paper
• Sandpaper or electric sander
• 3′ strip of lumber or plywood, approximately 2″ wide x 1/2″ thick
• 3″ strap hinge and six 1/2″ screws
• Primer
• Red, white, blue, yellow, black and dark gray acrylic paint
• Brushes: 1/2″ and 1-1/2″ for solid areas, 1/8″ for outlining

Click the picture for the complete plans.
Sleigh Yard Accent
The sleigh plan is also a very simple one. Work on this woodworking project with your whole family. Have each person paint their own and it is a memory that will be cherished for years to come.
Sleigh Yard Accent Materials List
•1 Georgia-Pacific Plytanium™ BC Plywood Panel, 19/32″ thickness (makes 2 sleighs)
• Jigsaw, sabre saw or similar power tool with plywood-cutting blade
•Transfer paper or carbon paper (at craft store)
•Large paper or grid paper
• Sandpaper or electric sander
•3′ strip of lumber or plywood, approximately 2″ wide x 1/2″ thick
• 3″ strap hinge and six 1/2″ screws
•Primer
•Red, green, yellow and black acrylic paint
•Brushes: 1/2″ and 1-1/2″ for solid areas, 1/8″ for outlining

Click on the image to view the complete plans.
Good luck with your projects. Have fun.
Written by boblaw on November 15th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Holiday Plans and Outdoor Plans.
In the spirit of the holidays, here are a couple of free scroll saw woodworking plans (patterns). Thanksgiving is right around the corner and many of you might want to decorate with some of your own handywork. Here are a couple of Turkey Patterns to use.


If you have a woodworking plan request, please include it in a comment. All comments are reviewed and your plan request will be considered.
Written by boblaw on November 12th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Holiday Plans and Outdoor Plans.