Guide
Toolbox essentials for DIY projects
by Anika Schulz
"Daddy, let's build a soapbox"
4.3.2020
Translation: machine translated
Building a soapbox has long been my son's dream. Together with his dad, he created "LePa". A speedster that makes the neighbourhood unsafe.
I always plan my craft projects in advance. Not so my husband. He spontaneously stumbles across a suitable scrap piece of wood in the DIY store and has to build something with it as quickly as possible. A plan often doesn't exist or is created in the meantime. This was also the case with the soapbox.
Tools and even more tools
The soapbox goes as follows:
1. Draw all the dimensions on the board. The base plate of our soapbox measures 30 × 70 centimetres. At the front, draw two "wings" measuring 7 × 10 centimetres. Behind the base plate, draw the backrest measuring 30 × 15 centimetres. Draw the side rests last. To do this, take another rectangle measuring 30 × 15 centimetres and draw a diagonal to create two equal triangles.
2. Now saw the individual pieces of wood to size. Please make sure that your child does not do this work alone, but only when accompanied by an adult.
3. Screw the back and side rests to the base plate using six long screws. Drill a hole through the base plate. Drill the back and side rests from below so that the screws do not crack the wood.
4. Attach an angle connector to both sides of the backrest to make it more stable. Fold up the front "wings" and screw them tight as well. Screw a hook into the front apron of the wooden car and attach a cord to it so that you can pull the soapbox.
5. In the last step, fasten the wheels with the appropriate screws, i.e. under 1.8 centimetres. If they are too long, they will push through the board and could injure your child while riding. To guarantee a stable fit, it is best to screw the wheels on ten centimetres away from the rear and front edges. The distance to the sides should also be three centimetres.
A soapbox doesn't have to look perfect. Its charm lies precisely in the fact that it looks spontaneous and patched up. Customise your wooden car to your child's needs to create a unique piece. You can also modify and optimise it as often as you like. For example, with larger wheels, a coat of paint or a padded seat.
Fields of application
Since we've had our speedy runabout, it often whizzes around the neighbourhood. My son needs it for a leisurely spin on walks, but also for his self-created streetscape. My children suddenly love going with me to dispose of waste paper now that they have the perfect transport vehicle for it.
By the way, we named our soapbox "LePa". A composite of the first names of our son and dad, the two car manufacturers. A project like this creates a bond. The little boy's eyes still light up when he talks about his self-built vehicle.
My students, but also my own children, inspire me every day with their wild imaginations. I love to document the creative projects that come from them on my blog Fantasiewerk. I hope to inspire many moms and dads to do crafts with their children. [Fantasiewerk.ch](https://fantasiewerk.ch)
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