Thin wood, best way to fasten question

[stoppy]

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 To a basic toy truck design I’ve added a pickup truck type body made out of 1/8 inch thick pine. The body is 2.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches long with 3/4” high sideboards. I’ve glued the sideboards to the “truckbed”. Realizing this truck will be used by a youngster what if anything can be done to strengthen the attachments?

[cputnam]

If my youngest grandson is any indication, gluing the truck to a 12" cinder block might help.

[stoppy]

If my youngest grandson is any indication, gluing the truck to a 12" cinder block might help.  

   But the truth. Remember our grandsons.

[JohnnyEgo]

Assume anything handed to a small child will eventually get used as a weapon. Probably a projectile one. With that in mind, I'd probably round over those sharp 90 degree corners on the rear of the truck bed. Otherwise, a very cool toy that will no doubt be cherished and passed on, if it survives. (Father of a good natured but magically destructive boy).

[handi]

Get some bamboo skewers. Drill across the joints and pin with the bamboo. Even with 1/8 thick stock this will add a lot of strength.

[BrokenOlMarine]

Get some bamboo skewers. Drill across the joints and pin with the bamboo. Even with 1/8 thick stock this will add a lot of strength.

What he said, but for very thin wood, I keep a box of Quality toothpicks in the shop, cut off the tip, and use them as the mini dowel. Once the glue dries, flush cut and sand.

[stoppy]

Thanks Ralph and Jim. I had thought of very small triangle posts glued into the corners but the skewers/toothpick idea is what I’ll try. I still expect the sides won’t last long but then one never knows.

[brianwelch]

Thanks Ralph and Jim. I had thought of very small triangle posts glued into the corners but the skewers/toothpick idea is what I’ll try. I still expect the sides won’t last long but then one never knows.

I think corners reinforced with triangular chamfers would be good as well...

[Stwood_]

What he said, but for very thin wood, I keep a box of Quality toothpicks in the shop, cut off the tip, and use them as the mini dowel. Once the glue dries, flush cut and sand.

+1

I think corners reinforced with triangular chamfers would be good as well...

Yes, both ideas would be good

[tomsteve]

only other solution i can think of is make it out of metal. ive seen a few tonka trucks survive the ravages of jobsite temper tantrums.