Whittling Wooden Model Cars by Hand

Wooden models have been around for a veryIf you decide that you want to screw down your
long time. Wooden cars are no exception.parts then you will need some tiny screws, brass
Whenever a father sat down with a stick ofones if possible. They will give your wooden model
wood and whittled out a car and added wheel fora very classic look. If you would rather glue it
his children little did he know that he was takingtogether then you should use a wood grade craft
part in an already old tradition. Whittling your ownglue. Carpenter's glue is perfect for this sort of
wooden car is not a difficult process to learn butproject and can be bought in small enough
it can take a lifetime to master.quantities that it will not ruin between projects.
If you would like to learn to whittle your ownFor drilling out small holes you might want to
wooden model cars you first need to decide whatconsider getting a small pick that can get into tight
style you would like it to emulate. While you couldspaces easily. This will allow you to do some fine
possibly copy most any model car out there it isdetail work such as in the grille or on the dash. It
best for beginners to start with something easy.will also help you to scratch out details such as
Let yourself build your skill a bit before youthe shape of the door if you choose not to cut it
actually try to do something best left toout separate from the body.
advanced whittlers.If you are going to apply a finish to your model
The supplies you will need are rather simple. Youwhen it is done you will also need to get a small
will need a decent whittling knife. Any knife dealercan of the finish in the color that you are looking
worth their salt can point you in the right directionfor. Also have some old rags handy to apply it
as far as which one would be right for you. Youand a tack cloth to clean it with before you apply
also need to pick up a whet rock. This rock is athe finish. The tack cloth removes all dust and
block that is used for keeping your knife sharp. Itdebris without leaving behind any lint.
should come with instructions on the correct wayNow all you have to do is to draw out your
to use it. If you are unsure then ask someone. Itintended model on paper. Keep the details simple
is better to be safe than sorry.for your first few projects so that you can easily
The next thing you will need is some sandingwhittle out the shapes. Choose your wood
paper. It is handy to get pieces of severalcarefully as well. Pick one that is easy to carve
different grit so that you can do either heavyyet provides just enough resistance that it is not
duty material removal or light work justsoft enough to dent when you press on it with a
depending on which one you need at thatbit of force. You are now ready to try carving
moment. You might also want to get a sandingyour own model car. If you want to learn some
block to go with your sandpaper. It helps you toadvanced carving techniques you can pick up a
hold your sandpaper to the shape of the modelbook at your local library or search the Internet
so that you get the best sanding job possible.for tips and tricks. Happy whittling!