I grew up playing with a great set of wooden blocks passed down from my grandparents. They were a fun way for me to develop my fine motor skills, problem solving and creativity.
Here’s a set you can make for the little builders in your life with nominal home center lumber.
Cutting List
KEY
QTY.
PART
DIMENSIONS
A
4
3×5 Thick block
1-1/2” x 3” x 5”
B
8
1-1/2 Square x 5 block
1-1/2”x 1-1/2”x 5”
C
10
3×5 Ramp
1-1/2” x 3” x 5”
D
4
3-1/2 x 5 Medium block
3/4” x 3-1/2” x 5”
E
Varies
Square pillars
3/4” x 3/4” x (5”, 3-1/2”, 1-1/2”)
F
Varies
Round pillars
3/4” diameter x (5”, 3-1/2”, 1-1/2”)
G
4
3-1/2 x 5 Thin block
1/4” x 3-1/2” x 5”
H
8
1-1/2 x 5 Plank
1/4” x 1-1/2” x 5”, 1/4” x 2” x 5”
J
2
3×5 Bridge and half circle blocks
1-1/2” x 3” x 5”
Sand before playing!
After cutting all the parts for this set, be sure to sand each of them thoroughly. The corners should be eased with sandpaper, and all saw marks removed. To extend the life of your new building block set, apply a wipe-on finish like tung oil.
Make 3×5 thick blocks
Take one of the 2×4’s and cut it down to 24 inches. Run it through the table saw, taking off 1/4-inch on one edge. Flip it over and take off another 1/4-inch on the other edge.
Then cut it into five-inch lengths with a miter saw, or on the table saw using a crosscut sled. This will make four uniform blocks and a small scrap that can be included in the set.