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