Toy Pirate Ship

I built this toy pirate ship out of scrap wood and a few things I picked up at a craft store. I had some scrap 2x6's that were about 3 feet in length. The cannons are candle cups that I picked up at Hobby Lobby and spray painted black. The main masts are 3/4 inch dowels with 1/4 inch dowels through the middle for the sails. I made crows nests out of 1x4's cut into squares, then drilled a hole through the center.

Step by step

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Step 1

Start with the front of the ship. Set your circular saw at ~20-25 degree angle and cut out the point. Do this to three boards.

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Step 2

Now set your circular saw at ~10 degree angle and cut the back end of the middle piece at the desired length (mine is about 2.5 feet). Then set it on top of the bottom piece and mark where to cut that piece. Then cut the top two pieces at the same angle in the back and ~15 degrees in the front side of those pieces.

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Step 3

Keeping the ~15 degree angle cut the third front piece at desired length (mine is about 8”). Now nail it (and glue it) all together making sure not to nail it where you will be drilling holes for the masts.

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Step 4

Drill holes using a 3/4” bit for masts. (My masts are 3/4” dowel rods at 18” long) You’ll also want to drill 1/4” holes in the masts a couple inches from the top for the dowels that hold the sails. For simple a simple crows nest you can cut a 1x4 into a little square and drill a 3/4” hole in it, then just slide it on top of the sails. Then I attached the candle cup cannons and had a great toy for my little buccaneer.

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Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.