Large Outdoor building set for kids

[eyekode]

My daughter has taken to raiding my scraps and "building" things in the yard. I would like to encourage this .

I remember seeing a project to make plywood boards with notches to link the pieces together. Sorta like large flat lincoln logs. But My searches are coming up empty. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
Thanks!
Salem

 

[eyekode]

I must have searched for 20 mins and nothing. Then my very next search after posting I found this: http://marcialmiller.com/wordpress/2011/02/plywood-play-planks/

I seem to remember a more modern link for this. I will keep searching.
Salem

 

[Mt. Gomer]

Here ya go:

http://www.woodshop4kids.com/Hands_On_Books/Builder_Boards.html

 

[eyekode]

That is exactly what I was looking for! I also found this link: http://www.linkerlogs.com/
Not sure why they cut the notches in T shapes... Maybe because they can?
Salem

 

[smallboat]

My guess is the T-shaped cut is the result of the radius of the cutter they're using in the Shopbot.
If they had a tiny radius cutter they could cut essentially square inside corners and the parts would slot together.
But you'd have to slow way down to avoid breaking the cutter.
If you just trace out the square cut with a large radius you get a big shoulder and one shoulder ends up resting on the other when you stack them.

Solution is the T or dogbone cut which leaves a virtual corner where the two parts can snug up tight.

my .02 worth

 

[eyekode]

Thanks for the explanation. I buy it! If they go deeper they would weaken the board. And without the T shape the joint would only touch at two small points which would dent easily.
Salem

 

[NCTurner]

Salem, I am pretty sure I have the Builder Boards book, if you are interested I will see if I can dig it up to loan you.

 

[eyekode]

That would be awesome! If you do find it I could swing by and pick it up. I am off work tomorrow. But if you can't find it no big deal. Looks pretty simple.
Thanks!
Salem

 

[NCTurner]

Salem, I have looked twice now and can't seem to locate it. Sorry:no:

 

[eyekode]

Thanks for looking! The 1950's article has some suggested sizes for a "set". I think that is all I really need.
Salem