Making Wooden Toy Train Tracks

I've always loved little wooden toy trains and on today's show, I demonstrate how to make straight pieces of track to accompany your child's train set. I hope you enjoy the show.
Please don't forget to like and subscribe and click the bell so that you don't miss notifications of future episodes of the show. As always, I want to thank you for dropping in to the channel and taking the time to watch this week's program. It is very much appreciated.

[@thecommonsenseconservative5576]

This stuff is crazy expensive to buy now. Thanks for the vid.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome. I need to come up with a way to make the curved pieces. I agree that this stuff is expensive and that was the whole reason for making this show. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your project.

[@eherlitz]

Nice work! Just a few timesavers for me when doing tracks like this. 1. I sand and do most of the finish to the top and bottom side as well as rounding over the tracks before cutting them to length. 2. The female connector (16:51) is simple to drill, use a scroll or bandsaw to cut the spline. 3. It is a huge timesaver to get a wider saw blade that will cut the correct width in one pass.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

As I've always said Eric, for every process in the shop, there are about 10+ different methods to achieve that process. Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to chime in with your methods. It's very much appreciated.

[@arconisthewolf4430]

So this is how they're made! i wanna see junctions and other pieces too

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

This is one method of making them. Of course, the "real" ones are made by CNC machines faster than what I could ever mark them. You may just see some other parts coming to the show soon. Glad that you enjoyed the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@arconisthewolf4430]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I had a giant wooden trainset when i was like 6!

[@raymondbradford1642]

What a great project Kenny thank you for sharing with us.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Raymond. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@Belg1970]

Another well thought out and explained video. I think I would use the drill press to drill out the 1/2" hole and then just cut the slot. I'm assuming these are to add onto a Brio set, since these are made in Sweden they use metric measurements causing all the very tedious 1/64 and 1/32 conversions.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm not sure of where the set was created Pat. It wouldn't really make a difference though because I would still work in imperial. I'm a little mixed up that way. LOL. Glad to hear that you liked the video. I truly appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to leave the kind words.

[@paulsmessyworkshop]

Kenny, you surprised me again. I thought for sure you were going to use a router table to cut the track area. The table saw sure seemed to work well for those cuts. Is there also a train or at least extra cars in the future? Nice project.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm toying with this one Paul. It all started out because I wanted to make extra track for my granddaughter (who is still too young to play with it) and then it went from there. I may still produce a show on making curves, bridges and possibly the train sets themselves. I hope I will anyway because I think it would be a load of fun. Thanks for tuning in Paul. I honestly appreciate you dedication to the show.

[@yvonneschimmel453]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Did you make a video of the rest of the train set for your granddaughter? I would love to see what you made?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@yvonneschimmel453 I have not produced a show on that as of yet but I am hoping to in the near future. The thing that is holding me back is how to attach the wheels so that they can't come off. I'm sure you will see it on the channel soon. Thanks for tuning in Yvonne.

[@yvonneschimmel453]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thanks for all you teach online. Your an inspiration for many.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@yvonneschimmel453 You're very welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

[@tomt9543]

I like these projects that don’t require every woodworking machine in the Grizzly catalog to complete! This specific one is about 20 years late in my case, but there’s always the potential that I’ll be making them for grandchildren someday, right? I always enjoy your channel! Really love projects that include both wood and metal (brass, aluminum, steel etc.).

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear it Tom. As you said, hopefully, you will be making them for grandchildren soon. This set is for my granddaughter as I'm also more than a couple decades late for this project. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and chiming in with the kind words. It's very much appreciated.

[@zoiharrod321]

This is so cool I will watch more of your vids

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There are well over 800 episodes of the show on the channel. I hope that you are able to find something that interests you. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.

[@Chongo_657]

WOW it really looks like its made in a wooden toy track factory

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Good old scroll saw... love mine. Cool project, great idea.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked the project Michael. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@billinfarmington5189]

I never cease to be amazed at your turning to the scroll saw for projects. When you started this, I had no vision of the scroll saw. I was thinking drill and routing and sawing but not scroll saw. But, I was wondering about the round end on the male part. But, hadn't thought scroll saw. Still too new to scroll saw I guess. Regards, Bill

[@Goldchucker1]

Hi Bill: I'm finding that I turn to my scroll saw more than I thought I would. It's a great and versatilel tool. Chuck

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There's many different ways that this could be done but in my situation, the scroll saw was just the goto tool for me here. Quick, no setup, relaxing, great results etc etc etc. Pretty much a no brainer for me and my shop. Thanks for tuning in to the show Bill. Great to hear from you.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree more Chuck. It's amazing how versatile the tool is as long as you keep an open mind and use your imagination just a little bit. Thanks for chiming in on the comments section this week.

[@billinfarmington5189]

@@Goldchucker1 I guess I have to agree but I only got mine about 3 years ago and my first attempt was pretty pathetic. I started again when Covid hit but I am used to the "regular" stuff such as table saw, router, drill press, band saw, etc. At 72, I am not sure I will ever get to the point of thinking ah! Scroll Saw on one of my projects other than something I get a pattern for. But, maybe sometime in the next 30 years. ;o)

[@advocatus360]

This is excellent. I have been thinking about making these as a COVID project. My kids love the wooden trains sold by Lidl in the U.S. Thank you for making this video

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome David. Good luck with your project and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@daniellebitel7856]

You are the best

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words Danielle. I hope you enjoyed the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jefferyhockey4480]

I would like to see you do some curved tracks and different types of switch tracks tutorials

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have plans on doing tutorials like this. It's just a matter of getting the time to do it. Hopefully, you will see it on the channel soon. Thanks for tuning in and for your show suggestion.

[@jennifertimberlake6522]

​@@acutabove_woodworkingsI am interested in this as well

[@padkirsch]

I love this video. I am watching this video with my 3yr old! We are loving it. Exactly what we searched for. You are much appreciated. 👍❤️✅ #Subscribed!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to have you as a subscriber. I look forward to your future comments on the show. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for the kind words.

[@soniatriana9091]

Wow! You are an excellent teacher! Your attention to detail was very impressive! I’m not a work worker, but I sure wish I was! Maybe, after COVID-19, I can look into taking lessons. How lucky you are to be so talented!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thank you for the kind words Sonia. I'm glad that you enjoyed the program. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to leave a comment. It is very much appreciated. I hope that you do take woodworking lessons and that you love the hobby. In the mean time, hopefully you can find other shows of interest here on the channel.

[@TelahTernoda]

Ini sangat bagus. Bahkan aku telah membuatnya. Bagian sulit adalah membuat male dan femalenya. Ini bahkan sangat mirip dengan lillabo track train ikea.😊

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you liked the project and that you were able to make some of your own. Thank you for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave your comment.

[@nateswoodentrainstudios3806]

wow awesome video

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Nate. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Kenny, Are you going to be making the corners, trains & coatches.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I will most likely be making more pieces on future episodes of the show John. Curves, bridges, etc. Hopefully it will be on a upcoming show in the (not so distant) future. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@joshuaglassman7558]

Love this. Any update on making curved track/the trains themselves?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words Joshua. There has been no update as of yet and to be honest, it had completely slipped my mind. Thank you for bringing it to my attention so that I can produce the show on curves. Hopefully, I will be able to get to that soon. Thanks again and thanks for tuning in.

[@bsdbryn]

@@acutabove_woodworkings would like to see this too!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@bsdbryn Still in the works. It's a show idea that hasn't been scrapped yet so there's still hope.

[@jimfromri]

Great show Ken. I bet this will be a popular project. Is there a reason you didn’t drill out the circular part of the female side with a Forster bit? Seems like it would ensure consistency and might be a tad faster. -Jim

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

No reason at all Jim. I just felt like using my scroll saw. I was in no hurry and this was just the method I chose. That's the great thing about our hobby. For every project, there are multiple ways of doing it that will produce the same result. Thanks for tuning in.

[@scottmorris4914]

I like this video, was wanting to make some track for the grandkids. Timing is perfect. For the female end I thought about using the drill press to make the hole, and that way the only cuts on the female end are some short straight cuts. The male end, I like the cross cut you made, rather than using the scroll saw. Thanks.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Your methods sound very doable Scott and there is nothing wrong with them. It's great that you can take the original concept and methods that I show here on the show and tweak them to make them your own. Well done. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in.

[@rrabbit1960]

Good morning Kenny! At first I was thinking you were going to use the router bits to make these. Good tutorial! Everytime I tune in and see your skill at the scroll saw it makes me want to get one. It is on my list of tools to buy, but I really don't have the room until I finish changing the layout of my shop. Do you put any kind of finish on the pieces or leave them natural?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

These ones here I have left natural Woody but there is nothing wrong with applying some varnish to the pieces to seal them. I hope this helps and I also hope that you get yourself a scroll saw one day. You have no idea what you are missing!!!! Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@terrencepowell270]

love it!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear it Terrence. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@garybeasley4885]

I like the maglock featherboard you have on the tablesaw, havent seen one of those before.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I love that feather board Gary. So quick and easy to set up and use. It seems to have gone up quite a bit since it was gifted to me, but here's a link. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tool-accessories/safety/featherboards/58746-magswitch-universal-featherboard?item=03J7593 Thanks for tuning in to the show this week.

[@showbizrailproductions]

Kenny, You should sell these on a online dealer like eBay or Amazon so we can all get these things, They are very nice and it looks like we want to buy them!.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

They truthfully aren't worth selling as they are very time consuming to make. I guess if I did them in a production style where I prepped them in bulk, I might break even but other than that, I don't think they are worth selling. Thanks for your suggestion though and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@dailystudy5119]

Hi Kenny, incredible work! may I know the measurement of the template in a photo? And what do you use for the template? thanks!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The templates are made from 1/4" MDF or hardboard Ima. As for the measurements, all the dimensions you need are contained in the show. Just follow along and you should have no problem making a template for these tracks. Thanks for tuning in.

[@philparrish8892]

Very cool idea. What is that measuring tool you used to mark the lines etc?

[@philparrish8892]

@Applehash Thank you

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sorry about the delay in answering you Phil but it looks like Applehash had me covered on this one. If you need any other information, please feel free to ask. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm a bit behind this week. Thanks for jumping in with that answer.

[@cwhouseknecht]

Great video, going to make this for my grandchildren. Where can I get the marking tool you used?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The marking tool you are referring to is called a T-rule and they are made by INCRA. You can get them directly from them of from most woodworking suppliers. I got mine from Lee Valley. Here's a link. I hope it helps. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/marking-and-measuring/rules/58877-incra-t-rules Thanks for tuning in.

[@cwhouseknecht]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thank you, I'm purchasing the T-rule. It's going to make laying out my projects a lot easier. Could an ellipse jig be used to cut the grooves for curved track?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@cwhouseknecht I would think that a compass would be more capable of marking out the curved tracks. I am hoping to put together a show in the new year about making curved tracks and possibly a few accessories for the tracks. I hope this helps.

[@stevemcnelly544]

Where did you purchase your square that you use in the video

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That square is called a T-rule and they are made my INCRA. They are available directly from incra.com or from most woodworking suppliers. I got mine from Lee Valley Tools. I hope this helps Steve. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@jessi330]

11/64" from edge, 13/32 other line is the track grooves. 9/64" deep. 3 passes on table saw.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to see you were taking notes. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@darealliam4421]

Try making them smaller for narrow gauge engines or the smaller engines

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It would be a fairly simple adjustment. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@TankEngine_12]

Hi there! I’m new here and I’m attempting to make a yard from the Thomas series called Knapford yard with many switches and I was wondering if you’d ever make a video on how to make those if possible since I don’t have many switches.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have never made a video of that sort of thing but I am in the planning stages of some more videos of train parts and accessories for kits like this. Different sized and shaped pieces, loading stations, bridges and that sort of thing. Hopefully, before too long, you will see them on the channel. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@earldingle1326]

Where can I get the bench clamp used in this video?

[@tomt9543]

Lee Valley Tools

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

As Tom pointed out, this one is a Veritas quick release Wonder Dog and is available at Lee Valley Tools. Here's a link. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches/benchtop-accessories/74622-veritas-quick-release-wonder-dog I hope this helps Earl. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for chiming in Tom. I'm a little behind this week.

[@kilicmelik1982]

how did you do turnings??

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Making curved pieces for the corners is a little bit of a different process. I haven't done a show on that as of yet but you can look for one in the near future on the channel. Thanks for tuning in.

[@kilicmelik1982]

@@acutabove_woodworkings when is soon? my girl is groving :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@kilicmelik1982 realistically, the show is currently booked in until around June of 2021 so the track show would probably not air until at least August. I hope this helps.

[@rubengo3652]

I envy that push stick or shall i say pusher or push handle?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I really love that push stick for the table saw Ruben. I've made several different versions of it and each one has worked flawlessly. Comfortable, quick to make and keeps your hands clear of the blades. If you are interested, here is the episode of my show where I demonstrate how to make these awesome push sticks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmsZoSphJyahKs I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@rubengo3652]

kennyearrings1 Thanks Kenny! I thought you’d say: “you like it? I’ll send you one!” haha! Anyway, i made a similar one before and i like it compared to other push sticks that looks like a foot where you grasp the ankle and push. The one your using mimics the use of a rip saw. Have a good day Kenny!

[@rubengo3652]

kennyearrings1 I just watched (as per your suggestion “) the video on how you made that push stick. Thanks! Before i watched the video, i was correct that that push stick mimics the use of a rip hand saw.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@rubengo3652 It should mimic the use of a rip saw, the handle was made to mimic a hand saw. LOL

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@rubengo3652 Glad that you liked the show. Thanks for tuning in. Now it's time to get off KZbin and make your own push stick. LOL.

[@JDGourley]

What about curves and hills?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Curves an hills are a completely different animal when it comes to these tracks and I haven't filmed a tutorial on them as of yet. I may have to do that soon though as I've had several requests for it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@spykekalaitsides1108]

And can I have and be haveing all them wooden train tracks u got and because I need and be needing more lots and rows?! of them?!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

These pieces aren't or sale or to give away. This video is intended to teach you how to make your own. Sorry about that. Thanks for tuning in.

[@babass69420]

Could you add a translation or a short guide to the non english speaking natives (as for myself, I'm French), so that we could be sure of the measurements and everything ? Thanks a lot.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have added French subtitles to the video so hopefully that will help you a bit. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@annanowak3016]

I have that, I have more to, but it’s in storage

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear it Anna. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@blacksabbrath2]

Дорога в один конец? (Без поворотов)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

These are just the straight pieces to extend an existing set with turns. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Djay17]

I wish you can make train

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I am hoping to have a train build coming up on the show fairly soon. Hopefully, you will tune in for that. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@abdullahsani9741]

Can sell those joint male and female. I am buying a lot.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm not sure what you are saying here Abdullah but thanks for tuning in. I hope you liked the show.

[@abdullahsani9741]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I marvel at your dexterity. I wonder if you could accept my proposal.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@abdullahsani9741 I do not sell these train pieces. The purpose of the show is to demonstrate and teach how to make your own at home. Sorry Abdulah but I do not do any commissioned work and I do not sell my work.

[@abdullahsani9741]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thank you, you have the dexterity and skill. Thank you again.

[@karrismith5884]

I have them

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear it Karri. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@Chongo_657]

Almost I think maby

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Not sure what this comment means, but thanks for tuning in.

[@vostoball5278]

what about a toy train what fits on this

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're not the first to ask and I am in the process of show planning for an episode to demonstrate making the trains. I hope you will tune in when it airs. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@eviltoad632]

I just scribble to you because you are I talk ed

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm not sure what you are saying here but thanks for tuning in

[@zrcong]

t

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Um. Thanks for tuning in to the show.