I have completed many Toys & Joys projects, several that required track making, this the method I use, thought I would share it. After cutting, chamfering & drilling all the track pieces, I placed them tightly in a box made from 1/4” & 3/8” Baltic birch plywood, carefully measured all the notches required, then ran them through the table saw to cut them all at the same time. Seemed to save some time and all turned out exactly the same, rather than cutting them one at a time.
Kind of like a jig for cutting multiple track sections at once. Nice idea Brian. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your methods. It's very much appreciated.
@@acutabove_woodworkings Yes exactly……I forgot to mention that I have really enjoyed watching your videos, wish I had seen something like this before working on all of the other projects I have done, very informative and interesting. Your comments on being safe with all the tools involved is very important…..Thank You
I made a mandrel to mount the hubs for the whirligigs. I cut the circles first then the slots all on the scroll saw. I then mount the hub to the mandrel and attach it to my 8 inch drill press. As it is spinning I just hold a piece of 80 or 60 grit paper against the hub until it is round. So what you explained does work out great. It was my only solution for me not owning a lathe. I could make wheels that way too. Your solutions can fit any project problem. Making the parts for the track was interesting to see. I was curious as to how you were going to handle it. I learned something there! Enjoyed, take care!
I keep a selection of different diameter and length bolts, and threaded rod in a drawer by my lathe to use as “special” mandrels. Work great either on a lathe or a drill press 🤠
Where there's a will, there's a way Michael and I'm glad that you were able to sort out your hub making. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to chime in with your methods. It is truly appreciated.
Awesome Ken. When I built other excavator few years ago( #70 T&J I think) it took me two full days to make tracks.18-20 hours. Those tracks here will take more time for sure. I remember I had to make new track buddies to get proper length for length of each track. I wonder how this will work here. I have those new excavator plans for over 1 year, just didn't get on it yet. Some other builds all the time. I was sending you some pictures too. This year I need to put my hands on this new excavator for sure. Looking forward for another part of this beautiful build!!!!
Glad that you are enjoying the build so far. The tracks can be a little tricky but the key to a successful track is taking the time to do a proper setup and drilling the link holes SLOWLY. Drilling faster than what you need to will only deflect the drill bits and cause your track to twist. Good luck on your build (when you start it) and thanks for tuning in to the show.
Great job! I’ve been looking at the plans for the last three weeks to determine the safest method for making the various parts. I’m feeling pretty good about my thinking so far my ideas follow yours🤠
The pieces aren't difficult to make Randy. You just want to make sure that you have a clear plan in your head as to how you want to make each piece. There have been times where I went to make a piece and after the second or third cut, I realized that I wasn't able to do the fourth cut because I had cut away my square reference surfaces. Had to remake and rethink those pieces. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Kenny, if you look up “tedium” in the dictionary I am sure you will see some guy making track parts for an excavator. That was a very labor intensive part of the build. I am impressed with you patience.
LOL. That's funny Paul because I'm sure that I have my image in quite a few other words in the dictionary. Some of them aren't so nice though. LOL. Thanks for tuning in
Don't sell yourself short Scott. You never know until you try. I once did a model build where (unknown to me) it was beyond my skill level so I took all the pieces and the patterns, put them in a box and placed them on a shelf in my shop for 2 years. I came back to it at that point and it all fell together perfectly with 2 years extra experience under my belt and some new tools as well. Don't pull the parachute before you jump out of the plane. You might surprise yourself with how good you really are. Thanks for tuning in.
I have two of those David. One that I use and one for backup for when the first one breaks. It's been years and I haven't broken the first one yet. LOL. Here's a link to the bit if you are interested. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tool-accessories/router-bits/30218-small-straight-bits?item=15J0614 I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.
First to comment, have been so much enjoying this build series. By the way, I got my inspiration for my first Toys and Joys build, that I built, from this channel. Thanks, Cheers
Glad to hear that the channel was able to inspire you. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave your comment. Glad that you are enjoying the series.
That would involve getting into a partnership with Amazon on the channel. I try not to partner with any corporation as I don't want to be influenced by feeling that I need to be dedicated to the products that they sell. There's a reason I don't have sponsors on the show. I would never feel that I could give an honest review of their tools because I would be "obligated" to say something nice about them. Have you ever seen a CZcams personality bash the tools of their sponsor? Probably not and there's a reason for that. As long as folks watch the ads David, the show is funded enough from that for me for now. I work a full time, 40+ hour a week job that pays the bills. This channel is only a hobby for me and while I know it won't make me rich, I do enjoy producing shows. I have a very appreciative and supportive audience who are just amazing. Thanks for the suggestion. I may look into that in the future. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Hi Ken Thankyou for your reply of some days ago I have been following a number of your videos and find them most interesting, and have purchased some plans yet to arrive. However I have a problem with a model or two of vintage car plans produced some years ago in the UK. These plans are very detailed and complicated to produce and include spring steel leaf springs for front and rear axels. I have tried lots of outlets in UK and all unable to help. For example these springs are 238mm in length 16mm wide and contain up to seven leaves. Wonting to have a go at building these models or at least one to start, but unwilling without knowing how to produce the springs, have you any ideas ?? Barry C.
I have a “curiosity” question for Kenny or anyone else on the channel: Has anyone viewed the Toy’s and Joy’s video on making tracks? I’m just curious as to how they approach this aspect of the model 🤠
I've never watched it because I didn't know that it existed. I will be searching it out now and seeing what their approach is and will report back later to give my thoughts. Have you got a link to that Randy?
@@randyrockwell6136 Darn. I was hoping it was a download. So they sell a disc for $15 to learn how to make tracks, wheels and tires and I put out the videos for free? Hmmmmmm. LOL.
You make me smile! Thank you for all you do!
Glad to be of service Bob. Thanks for tuning in.
I have completed many Toys & Joys projects, several that required track making, this the method I use, thought I would share it.
After cutting, chamfering & drilling all the track pieces, I placed them tightly in a box made from 1/4” & 3/8” Baltic birch plywood, carefully measured all the notches required, then ran them through the table saw to cut them all at the same time. Seemed to save some time and all turned out exactly the same, rather than cutting them one at a time.
Kind of like a jig for cutting multiple track sections at once. Nice idea Brian. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your methods. It's very much appreciated.
@@acutabove_woodworkings
Yes exactly……I forgot to mention that I have really enjoyed watching your videos, wish I had seen something like this before working on all of the other projects I have done, very informative and interesting. Your comments on being safe with all the tools involved is very important…..Thank You
@@brianbrown7996 Glad that you liked the videos. I do appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to leave your comments.
I made a mandrel to mount the hubs for the whirligigs. I cut the circles first then the slots all on the scroll saw. I then mount the hub to the mandrel and attach it to my 8 inch drill press. As it is spinning I just hold a piece of 80 or 60 grit paper against the hub until it is round. So what you explained does work out great. It was my only solution for me not owning a lathe. I could make wheels that way too. Your solutions can fit any project problem. Making the parts for the track was interesting to see. I was curious as to how you were going to handle it. I learned something there! Enjoyed, take care!
I keep a selection of different diameter and length bolts, and threaded rod in a drawer by my lathe to use as “special” mandrels. Work great either on a lathe or a drill press 🤠
Great minds think alike Randy. I do the same.
Where there's a will, there's a way Michael and I'm glad that you were able to sort out your hub making. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to chime in with your methods. It is truly appreciated.
Awesome Ken. When I built other excavator few years ago( #70 T&J I think) it took me two full days to make tracks.18-20 hours. Those tracks here will take more time for sure. I remember I had to make new track buddies to get proper length for length of each track. I wonder how this will work here. I have those new excavator plans for over 1 year, just didn't get on it yet. Some other builds all the time. I was sending you some pictures too. This year I need to put my hands on this new excavator for sure.
Looking forward for another part of this beautiful build!!!!
Glad that you are enjoying the build so far. The tracks can be a little tricky but the key to a successful track is taking the time to do a proper setup and drilling the link holes SLOWLY. Drilling faster than what you need to will only deflect the drill bits and cause your track to twist. Good luck on your build (when you start it) and thanks for tuning in to the show.
You have far more patience than I have. It's a good job I don't have a CZcams channel (I'd get banned for bad language lol).
Don't be silly Mark. That's what editing is for. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.
Great job! I’ve been looking at the plans for the last three weeks to determine the safest method for making the various parts. I’m feeling pretty good about my thinking so far my ideas follow yours🤠
The pieces aren't difficult to make Randy. You just want to make sure that you have a clear plan in your head as to how you want to make each piece. There have been times where I went to make a piece and after the second or third cut, I realized that I wasn't able to do the fourth cut because I had cut away my square reference surfaces. Had to remake and rethink those pieces. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Amazing thinking process and patience! 😊
Thanks for the kind words Julie. I appreciate you tuning in to the show.
Kenny, if you look up “tedium” in the dictionary I am sure you will see some guy making track parts for an excavator. That was a very labor intensive part of the build. I am impressed with you patience.
LOL. That's funny Paul because I'm sure that I have my image in quite a few other words in the dictionary. Some of them aren't so nice though. LOL. Thanks for tuning in
Great…. It’s going to kill me wondering where the heck that extra dowl goes lol that is some really fussy work there. Very impressive
Truth be told Randy, I never did find out where it goes. Just a mistake in the print I guess. There you go....mystery solved. Thanks for tuning in.
Good video. This is beyond my skill, but still enjoy watching.
Don't sell yourself short Scott. You never know until you try. I once did a model build where (unknown to me) it was beyond my skill level so I took all the pieces and the patterns, put them in a box and placed them on a shelf in my shop for 2 years. I came back to it at that point and it all fell together perfectly with 2 years extra experience under my belt and some new tools as well. Don't pull the parachute before you jump out of the plane. You might surprise yourself with how good you really are. Thanks for tuning in.
Looking ahead at the plan I will need ...or want...that 1/16 router bit.
I have two of those David. One that I use and one for backup for when the first one breaks. It's been years and I haven't broken the first one yet. LOL. Here's a link to the bit if you are interested. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tool-accessories/router-bits/30218-small-straight-bits?item=15J0614
I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.
Incredible build!
Thanks for the kind words and for tuning in to the show.
First to comment, have been so much enjoying this build series. By the way, I got my inspiration for my first Toys and Joys build, that I built, from this channel. Thanks, Cheers
Glad to hear that the channel was able to inspire you. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave your comment. Glad that you are enjoying the series.
To help fund your channel you should add Amazon links of the tools you use.
That would involve getting into a partnership with Amazon on the channel. I try not to partner with any corporation as I don't want to be influenced by feeling that I need to be dedicated to the products that they sell. There's a reason I don't have sponsors on the show. I would never feel that I could give an honest review of their tools because I would be "obligated" to say something nice about them. Have you ever seen a CZcams personality bash the tools of their sponsor? Probably not and there's a reason for that. As long as folks watch the ads David, the show is funded enough from that for me for now. I work a full time, 40+ hour a week job that pays the bills. This channel is only a hobby for me and while I know it won't make me rich, I do enjoy producing shows. I have a very appreciative and supportive audience who are just amazing. Thanks for the suggestion. I may look into that in the future. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Hi Ken
Thankyou for your reply of some days ago I have been following a number of your videos and find them most interesting, and have purchased some plans yet to arrive. However I have a problem with a model or two of vintage car plans produced some years ago in the UK. These plans are very detailed and complicated to produce and include spring steel leaf springs for front and rear axels. I have tried lots of outlets in UK and all unable to help. For example these springs are 238mm in length 16mm wide and contain up to seven leaves. Wonting to have a go at building these models or at least one to start, but unwilling without knowing how to produce the springs, have you any ideas ?? Barry C.
Hi Barry, I sent a reply to this message via email. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
I have a “curiosity” question for Kenny or anyone else on the channel: Has anyone viewed the Toy’s and Joy’s video on making tracks? I’m just curious as to how they approach this aspect of the model 🤠
I've never watched it because I didn't know that it existed. I will be searching it out now and seeing what their approach is and will report back later to give my thoughts. Have you got a link to that Randy?
@@acutabove_woodworkings Kenny it’s a disc they sell on making tracks, wheels & tires. I believe it’s $15 on their site.
@@randyrockwell6136 Darn. I was hoping it was a download. So they sell a disc for $15 to learn how to make tracks, wheels and tires and I put out the videos for free? Hmmmmmm. LOL.
@@acutabove_woodworkings I can see them charging something, I guess 🤔. What gets me is the $15 just to make a copy and then charge $15 shipping 😖.
@@randyrockwell6136 The rip off of shipping drives me nuts as well.