How to Build a Little Car From Wood

Small wooden cars can be built using a variety of methods and tools. Boy Scouts make pinewood derby cars to race every year and their building methods are similar to many others that include choosing a piece of wood, carving a shape out of the wood, placing the wheel axles, putting on the wheels, staining and adding any decorations to the car. For racing purposes, weight should also be added to the car to make it run faster downhill.

• 1

  Choose a small piece of wood to create your body. Most model shops and some lumber yards carry modeling woods, which should be strong enough to support the body but soft enough to carve easily.

• 2

  Select a car shape and use your carving tools to create this shape out of your wood. Take your time and work slowly to avoid making any mistakes. Use another piece of wood if you do make a mistake.

• 3

  Use your tools to begin making more exact details in the wood. These details can include doors, trunks, hoods and specific cab shapes. Be as detailed as your artistic abilities allow, as a detailed car will look better than a non-detailed one.

• 4

  Use your paint brush to stain your car. This gives your wood a darker texture. Let it sit until it is dry.

• 5

  Use your drill to cut two small holes for your axles. These should be at the front and back of the vehicle. Slide the axle rod through the holes and place one wheel on each end of the axle.

• 6

  Paint any details you want on your car, such as a race number, doors or even your name. Let it sit until it is dry.

• 7

  Cut out small, narrow holes on the bottom of your car and glue in your pieces of metal. Only do this step if you are using your car in downhill racing. The weight will pull it down the hill faster.