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Make a classic wooden wobble duck pull toy from ¾-inch hardwood, wooden wheels, a ¼-inch dowel axle and a pull string. The project uses Make’s Mr. Quackers template; print it at its original size, attach it to the wood, cut and smooth the duck, then fit the angled wheels with enough clearance to turn freely. Make estimates 1–3 hours and rates the project moderate.
Materials and tools
Gather the following before starting. Maple is the example hardwood, but Make allows wood of your choice.
Materials
- ¾-inch hardwood for the body.
- 1¼–1½-inch wooden dowel stock for the wheels, or hardwood stock to turn to that diameter.
- ¼-inch wooden dowel for the axle; the project author used oak.
- Pull string; the author used jute.
- Spray adhesive for attaching the printed template; the author used Super 77.
Tools
- Bandsaw and sander.
- Drill or drill press with ¼-inch and ⅜-inch bits.
- Chop saw or table saw for cutting the wheels.
- If turning wheel stock: a lathe, roughing gouge and spindle gouge.
- Hold-down clamps for the wheel-cutting operations described below.
Choose how to make the wheels
| Approach | What it involves | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Buy 1¼–1½-inch wheel dowel | Drill a ¼-inch hole lengthwise through the stock, then square the ends and cut the angled wheels. | Skip the lathe and turning step. |
| Turn wheel stock | Use a lathe to bring a short section of stock to 1¼–1½ inches in diameter, then drill and cut it. | Choose this if you have a lathe and want to make the wheel stock yourself. |
Make does not compare the cost or brands of these options. It also allows a hand drill instead of a drill press for drilling the body hole.
Make the duck body
- Print and attach the template. Print Make’s Mr. Quackers template without scaling. Spray adhesive on the back of the paper and attach it to the hardwood. Wear a mask while spraying, as the project author advises.
- Cut the profile. Use a bandsaw to cut around the template. Smooth the profile with a sander and finish the beak area by hand.
- Drill the axle hole. Drill a ⅜-inch hole at the axle location marked on the template.
- Sand and soften. Sand the body up to 220 grit; finer sanding is optional. Soften the edges.
Cut and fit the wheels
- Prepare the wheel stock. Use purchased 1¼–1½-inch dowel or turn a short section to that diameter. Drill a ¼-inch hole lengthwise through the stock.
- Set up for angled cuts. Square the ends of the stock, set the saw blade to 10°, and use the zero-clearance fence and support material described in the project. Use hold-down clamps while cutting.
- Cut two wheels. Aim for pieces about 1½ inches long. The optional lathe step can be used to tidy the angled faces.
- Assemble the axle and wheels. Cut a length of ¼-inch dowel for the axle and round one end. Press that end into one wheel, pass the axle through the body’s ⅜-inch hole, then press the second wheel on. Face the wheels’ 10° angled sides in opposite directions.
- Check the fit. Leave enough side clearance for the wheels to rotate without binding. Glue is optional for the wheel-to-axle fit; the author reports that a press fit held in his build.
Add the pull string and inspect the toy
Tie the string around the duck’s neck. Before using the toy, check that the wheels turn freely and that the body, axle and wheels are securely fitted.
#1 Best Overall
- ENGAGING TOY: This pull along duck nods its head and flaps its wings as it follows your child - an entertaining and interactive experience
- MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Helps to develop balance, motor skills and hand-eye coordination in toddlers
- SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: Made of solid beech wood from FSC certified forests - supporting responsible forestry and safeguarding our environment
- QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP: With chip-resistant, non-toxic, glossy paint, this toy is durable and safe for your child
- BRIO HERITAGE: A classic wooden toy by Brio, a brand that has been creating quality toys since 1884
Safety and what this project establishes
Make specifically advises wearing a mask when spraying the template adhesive and using hold-down clamps for the wheel-cutting setup. These are the precautions stated in the project, not a complete shop-safety guide. Its build instructions do not establish a formal toy-safety assessment, age grading, regulatory compliance or test results; do not treat completion of the steps as evidence of those things.
The project specifications and 1–3-hour estimate are reported by Make, not independent measurements. The project was written by Mike Poorman, first published December 28, 2015, and updated July 15, 2022. See Make’s project and Mr. Quackers template.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- SIZE: 6 in x 5 in x 2.5 in
- GOOD QUALITY: FSC accredited wood products, ensuring non-toxic, environmental protection, Safe. Natural wooden play set suitable for ages 1 years and up.
- LEARN TO WALK: The pull toy is great for encouraging children to crawl and a great companion when they start to walk or run around the house.
- GREAT GIFT:This wooden push and pull toy is sure to engage children. It will be a wonderful birthday, Children’s day, New Year gift for 1+ years old boy girl toddler kids.
- TAKE-ALONG COMPANION: The toy encourages children to crawl by pulling the an out front. When they learn to walk, they can take him on adventures.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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