Wooden Marble Racer
Description
This is a classic children's toy, built strong to last long. The wooden marble racer is strong enough to support the weight of a grown adult, but fun enough for children as soon as they won't put marbles in their mouths.
Cuts
Straight cuts: Two at 13 inches, one at seven inches (optional - if you aren't using a pocket hole jig, cut one of the 13-inch boards at 17 inches instead and don't cut the 7-inch board. Use scraps to cut triangles for balance.)
Angled cuts: Divide the remainder of the board by three (approximately 21 inches each) with a 10-degree cut, angled the same direction on the end of each board.
Directions
After making your cuts, sand the wood to ensure there will be no splinters. Remember, this is a children's toy, after all.
Use a 3/4" drill bit to create two holes one inch from what will be the top and middle sloped boards (21") on the low side. Use the 3/4" rounded router bit to make two parallel cuts on each angled board, ending at the drill holes for the two top most angled boards and running completely across the bottom angled board. (Be sure this router groove is deep enough so that the marbles don't jump the track. Use sandpaper to smooth the tracks.
Use a 3/4" drill bit near the bottom of the front vertical board, aligned with the bottom angled board router cut.
Drill pocket holes upward in the side of the 7" board so that it will meet the 13-inch board perpendicularly, and then screw these two boards together. Drill pocket holes on the underside of each angled board.
Assemble the boards, ensuring that the bottom of the vertical boards will sit flat once the angled boards are screwed to both. Once all boards are aligned and enough space is available for marbles to fall through to the next track and continue on their path, screw the boards together, starting with the top, since you will not be able to get your drill motor between the runs once they are all assembled.
Supplies
Materials
1 @ 2"x4"x8' construction board
2" pocket hole screws (Kreg) - these can be replaced with regular wood screws if you don't have a Kreg jig (pocket hole jig). If so, you will want to adjust the highest vertical board.
Tools
Mitre Saw
Drill Motor
Kreg jig, drill and driver bit
3/4" drill bit
Router and 3/4" round nose bit