Make a Wooden Toy Muscle Car | Woodworking Gift Ideas for Kids

Why does a wood toy car have to be plain and boring? How about making it look like a Shelby GT500 Mustang?! I used the GT500 as inspiration for this project. It’s not supposed to be an exact replica. I want a kid to be able to play with it so I cut back on some of the molding and super fine details. I was thinking about woodworking Christmas gift ideas and DIY gift projects. I noticed my old wooden truck from when I was a baby and thought it would be fun to make a wooden car. I spent a ton of time looking up pictures of beautiful cars (woe is me) and drew a picture that I think captures the essence of the GT500.

I knew that I wanted the center to be a dark wood. I thought wenge might be too splintery for kids so I chose walnut. The outside needed to be a lighter color and I maple seemed too light for what I was wanted. I went with white oak instead. Funny enough, after I started making it and looked up wheels online I found a wood car design that’s really similar so here’s a link to that because I want to be transparent that sometimes ideas manifest in different ways: https://toymakingplans.com/muscle-car...

I left my car unfinished. Something about it just seemed right to me. If I were to apply finish it I would probably use a food safe hard wax finish like Osmo.

•• About NewtonMakes••
I’m Billy and I make fun things. Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas. Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.

•• My Links ••
Patreon:   / newtonmakes  
Website: https://newtonmakes.com
Instagram:   / newtonmakes  
Facebook:   / newtonmakes  

Like that sweet Maker Corps Shirt? Check it out here: https://newtonmakes.threadless.com/

Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
My Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/newtonmakes
Bandsaw https://amzn.to/3168ElS
Scroll Saw: https://amzn.to/2TVZEQO
Scroll Saw Blades: https://amzn.to/2T0AKPB
Drill Press: https://amzn.to/36yRj5U
Table Saw: https://amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Planer: https://amzn.to/38LarPW
Jointer: https://amzn.to/310uabK
Glowforge: https://glowforge.us/r/JQYBKFNN
Double Sided Tape: https://amzn.to/3sOtnbd
Titebond Glue: https://amzn.to/3pjRPAu

You can find wooden axle pegs here: https://amzn.to/3lkLPGe
Here are wooden tires of various sizes: https://amzn.to/3xACFuh

Join this channel's Superhero membership to access perks:
   / @newtonmakes