Posts: 1,600
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2014
12-27-2019, 08:49 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-27-2019, 08:50 AM by brianwelch.)
(12-27-2019, 08:37 AM)Cooler Wrote: A quick and easy project is lawn dice.
Chop 4" x 4" stock into perfect cubes.
Radius all edges on a router table.
Use a forstner bit to make 1/8" depth dots.
Then paint the dots.
Clear coat
It is fairly easy to paint within the circles/holes made by the forstner bits.
The video below shows using a magic marker for darkening the dots. Paint will yield a richer black and is easy enough with a small brush. Anything that goes outside the hole will clear up when you are sanding.
There are dozens of dice games listed on line.
A set of six dice retails for $26.00 on Amazon, so not a "cheap" gift. It can also be played on a carpeted surface.
This video shows it better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sx9t7JCpBw
I did something similar, and it was a big hit...used the forstner bit, but went a bit deeper. Started making my own, but ended up purchasing tapered wood plugs for pips (walnut for contrast, as I used oak for the dice) and glued them in place. Planed the pips close to flush, sanded smooth and applied food safe finish.
Posts: 7,421
Threads: 1
Joined: Sep 2005
12-27-2019, 11:09 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-27-2019, 11:11 AM by Cooler.)
(12-27-2019, 08:49 AM)brianwelch Wrote: I did something similar, and it was a big hit...used the forstner bit, but went a bit deeper. Started making my own, but ended up purchasing tapered wood plugs for pips (walnut for contrast, as I used oak for the dice) and glued them in place. Planed the pips close to flush, sanded smooth and applied food safe finish.
I see that there is one vendor that uses a branding iron for the dots. It looks nice too. His set sells for $50.00 (six dice), so it does not seem like a cheap gift.
It seems difficult to locate untreated 4 x 4 s in my area unless you are buying cedar. Treated lumber would be a no-no for toys though. Cedar would not be my first choice, it splits too easily. I would hope for some Douglas Fir pieces. Hardwood would be over-kill for this type of project.
https://mynorthernbackyard.com/6-great-d...-backyard/
No animals were injured or killed in the production of this post.
Posts: 30,565
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Saginaw, MI
Thanks for the lawn dice idea. Will make a set to try out on family and go from there.
Jim
There is a good chance
Broccoli doesn’t like you either.
Posts: 30,565
Threads: 3
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Saginaw, MI
Found a group, CAN Council (Child, Abuse, and Neglect Council) will happily take all the toys I can make. If any Woodnetters would like to make toys I’m sure there is a CAN Council or like organization in your area.
Jim
There is a good chance
Broccoli doesn’t like you either.