Introduction: Easy Laser Cut Wooden Toy Car
This easy laser cut car is a great little toy for young kids. The design I used is made to fit in an Altoids tin, but you can change the design to make is completely customizable! Plus, this project is perfect for beginners working with AutoCAD and laser cutting. I found the basic design and instructions from Fungus Amungus.
Step 1: Step 1: the Design
Before you start your design, measure out the size the circumference of the wheels you are using, and the correct axle diameter. You should also know the width of the wood you are lasering on so after stacking the pieces together you know how long to cut the axle. The basic design of this car is very simple to change. I added 2 windows to my design. The object of this project for me was to create this car with pieces (including wheels and axles) to fit inside the average Altoids tin.
Step 2: Step 2: Laser Cutting and Assembling
After cutting out the pieces of wood with a laser cutter, line them up in the desired order and check to see if the axle fits through the hole's dimensions. Sometimes the laser does not cut perfect and this may cause measurement fluctuations. If that is the case, go back to your file and change the holes. You can sand the wood to get rid of any burn marks that may be present.
Next, apply some glue to the insides of each of the pieces, and line them up. I secured mine with a clamp while drying. After the car was dry, I simply assembled the axle with the body of the car and attached the wheels to both ends of the axles. Everything should be secured.
Next, apply some glue to the insides of each of the pieces, and line them up. I secured mine with a clamp while drying. After the car was dry, I simply assembled the axle with the body of the car and attached the wheels to both ends of the axles. Everything should be secured.
Step 3: Step 3: the Final Result
After putting everything together, your car should look super speedy and ready to race. I posted a picture of how all the pieces fit in an Altoids tin for my project.
You can paint the car to give it a little something extra or add other details as well. This project overall was easy,simple, and fun to design and build!
You can paint the car to give it a little something extra or add other details as well. This project overall was easy,simple, and fun to design and build!