Building blocks

[Webb]

Ever wonder what to do with that box of cutoffs. i just had an idea when looking at the thread “British sports car”. Why not make hardwood building blocks? When I was a child, I spent hours on the floor building castles, forts, houses, towers, etc…. If I could think it, I built it. And I can’t think of a better gift for a child with a growing mind and as a bonus, the junk box gets cleaned out.

For those that remember, blocks were dimensional. For example, two small rectangles equal a square. Two squares equal a bigger rectangle. The thickness of the squares and larger rectangle equal the width of the squares and rectangle. You get the idea. Also be sure pieces are large enough they are not choke hazards.

Cut one rectangular brick and keep handy as your template and you never need to measure again. Use the brick to adjust your saw and every time you cut a shape, it will be the same. Be careful and keep your fingers away from the blade on small pieces with whatever way you clamp what you’re cutting.

 

[daniscool]

Ever wonder what to do with that box of cutoffs. i just had an idea when looking at the thread “British sports car”. Why not make hardwood building blocks? When I was a child, I spent hours on the floor building castles, forts, houses, towers, etc…. If I could think it, I built it. And I can’t think of a better gift for a child with a growing mind and as a bonus, the junk box gets cleaned out.

For those that remember, blocks were dimensional. For example, two small rectangles equal a square. Two squares equal a bigger rectangle. The thickness of the squares and larger rectangle equal the width of the squares and rectangle. You get the idea. Also be sure pieces are large enough they are not choke hazards.

Cut one rectangular brick and keep handy as your template and you never need to measure again. Use the brick to adjust your saw and every time you cut a shape, it will be the same. Be careful and keep your fingers away from the blade on small pieces with whatever way you clamp what you’re cutting.

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I remember these too. A perfect gift for new born children. The parents will love you as a bonus.

 

[Mr. Peet]

That is a good idea. Many use pine as pictured, because it is often a cheaper wood and children have lower risks to having reactions. The other big reason is density. Little ones love to chew and throw. Hardwoods add a few more risks, but work as well. I recall making blocks with maple for one of my sister's kids so many moons ago.

 

[DLJeffs]

Great idea. There's also several small wooden puzzle games that make good uses of small cutoffs and trim pieces. Google Khun Phan puzzle.

 

[GECKO]

I recently made some blocks for a couple of three year old’s. Mom and the kids were visiting her mom. They were interested in what I do in the shop.
They were from Dubai. They told me they would be back next summer. I plan on making a whole set of blocks for the boys that they can have when I see them next year. Great way to reduce a whole lot of scrap maple.