Toy Tongs
These are tongs for kids to play with. They might or might not work as regular tongs. Our kids broke a few bamboo tongs by over-stretching them. So I built these from some scrap oak baseboard moulding. The tongs can be folded flat or rotated 359 degrees without breaking (so far).
1
Toys
Files Included (1)
Tongs.svg
10 kB
Materials
• ~10mm or 3/8" thick baseboard moulding (or other wood of similar thickness, I wouldn’t pick thinner since it needs to hold the nail)
• 1 nail (as hinge)
Tools
• Shaper Origin
• Drill
• Sand paper
• Hammer
• Pliers (to cut off tip of nail)
Optional:
• Chisel, block plane, or sander (to clean and trim)
Instructions
I used a DIY version of the shaper plate which has a long cut out and placed the molding piece in there. Both sides of the tongs (A and B) are cut from the same file. The SVG has a custom anchor to align the center line. I used this to align with other features of the moulding. I engraved my tongs with the initials of each kid. You’ll have to add that letter to the SVG or use another file if you want to initial yours as well. I used the following order of operations: 1. Engrave letters with stock 1/8” cutter 2. Cut outer shape of tongs, the SVG has some guides as a reminder to leave tabs 3. Cut an alignment holder: Switch the main shape from outside to inside cut — If you don't engrave yours you can skip this an d swap steps 1. with 5. 4. Place existing tongs inside holder with letter down 5. Cut pockets for sides A and B, the pockets alternate so that the tongs close but the very last grove is cut on both (A+B) to produce "tip": - I encoded the depths that I used but depending on your stock you might need to adjust - I cut each pocket in 3 passes: a. I used a 3/64” round cutter with a -1mm offset to cut the line slightly outside the pocket b. I then pocketed and c. Inside cut with a 1/4” flat cutter 6. Pre drill at end of handle and then hammer in nail. 7. Cut nail tip off, sand the end 8. Bend nail with pliers