John Lewman, Built this Barney Oldfield Racer on December 24th, 1967
Letter from Editor A Sawdusty Community We talk in the office a lot about how this is such a niche market. Many of us are the lone entities within our immediate family or groups of friends. The woodworker, not too often spent in the company of others, we still need community. I’ve recently read that one of the major problems in the world is “alienation.” I first worried that meant that more and more of us were part ET than not (I know John Lewman can’t really be of this Earth). But no, it was about us losing community. I like the idea of community. A group of people in a shared passion for something. Sharing a place for ideas, thoughts, a place to share in successes or question and better understand our defeats. And nobody trying to get over or ahead on anyone else. In our case, it’s woodworking bringing us all together and somewhere within that world of woodworking, we’re making toys.
YOU, either starting out in toy building or a seasoned professional. There’s everything from Tips on staining, gluing and wood types, to folks posting their latest, greatest builds. There’s something for everyone on the Forum. I’m currently trying to spend some time everyday on the Wood Toy Weekly Facebook page but imagine this, I’m not incredibly savvy with Social Media stuff. My school waited for me to graduate and then added Social Media design, to the curriculum the very next semester. But again, in our pursuit of building a community of wood toy makers, we’ve built or are building Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, Etsy and Pinterest pages.
Please send some pics of your work, I’m sticking them in the magazine in our new, Photo Gallery section. I’ll probably be grabbing a lot of pics off The woodshop can be a lonely place and yet it always the Forum I mentioned earlier to build up the first galpulls me towards it, as if my livelihood depends on the lery. hours I put in. I’m positive many of you know that exact feeling. Then you have the makers, making pieces to sell Toy Wizards is finally getting some footing, that’s us new and that’s an entirely different animal than making for guys, trying to take John and Cynthia’s Toymakingplans fun or hobby but that’s a conversation for another time to a new level. We’re dabbling in some coming, How-To and we definitely will. I know with the Holiday Season videos, a possible podcast and developing a larger presnot that far away now, many of you are making a lot of ence in the social media arena as well. sawdust in your pursuit of Holiday sales. We’re still small enough that if you write us, we’re gonWe want you all to know, New Builders and Old Pro’s na write you back, which reminds me - Why aren’t y’all alike, you’re like family to us here at Wood Toy Weekly writing in? Our hope is that within this growing presand Toymakingplans. Through a shared ideal and de- ence of ToymakingPlans, Wood Toy Weekly and Toy mographic we want to concentrate on building relation- Wizards, everybody can find their place in our tribe. ships with anyone interested in what we’re doing here. Thanks everybody, There’s A LOT of new stuff going on in our offices. By now you’ve likely seen the new Toymakingplans.com Clint M. website and Forum page...What? You didn’t know we had Director of Design and New Product Development a Forum. Yes! and that forum is full of people JUST LIKE clint.metcalf@toymakingplans.com
Contents Meet Toymaker, Denis M. Bringing ingenuity into her builds page 6
The Barney Oldfield page 5
Meet Toymaker, Rod T. A Master Car Builder page 4
Toymaker Tips
Picking the right glue for your build page 10
Meet Toymaker, Rose D.
A Country Aussie with Serious Skills page 8
Meet Toymaker Denis (denis_muras) Denis is a retired Systems Administrator for a local children’s hospital. He learned woodworking from his father and have kept up the interest his entire life. He currently have an extensive shop with enough tools to keep him very busy. Denis tells us, “I have not tried the craft sale business yet as we are still remodeling our home. Working in Texas is a challenge because my shop is not climate controlled and it sometimes is too hot to work, but I try. I am a member of the Woodworker’s Club of Houston. The club has an ongoing toymaking program. We make mostly simple 2x4 cutouts but I try to bring a different variety, more detailed and complex, but not so much that they can be broken. I am trained a cabinet maker but have transitioned that skill to making toys. Currently we are remodeling and updating our home and that takes time my toymaking and trying to create an inventory for craft sales, but I am getting closer to completing at the moment.”
1. How long have you been making wood toys? I have been working in wood for over 40 years, making toys and other wooden items of interest, both large and small. 2. Who or what was your initial inspiration? I would have to say my father. He was an interior finish carpenter and I had the opportunity to work with him and learn woodworking. After college, my interest in woodworking had me remodeling my first home, with my father’s help. After that I had friends who started asking me to make toys. I then designed a couple of complex toys, a bulldozer and a loader/backhoe on working tracks. 3. Did you have any early roadblocks, obstacles? I really did not have any since I had been woodworking before I set up shop and most of my tools were given to me by my father. I later updated as I could afford. 4. What has been your favorite Toy Build project? At this time, ToymakingPlans.com Noahs Ark. I have built many of them and that is my most requested toy. I also like to build wheeled vehicles, truck and cars. I usually go into production and build multiples. I have also modified a couple of designs to make more types of vehicles. 5. What does Toy Making mean to/for you? Time in the shop, the smell of fresh cut wood. A time to learn a new procedure or technique. Once I make toys, the smile on the face of the person, adults included, when they receive it. I am a member of a local woodworking club and we donate to various children’s organizations. I have donated a number of toys from ToymakingPlans.com. 6. Favorite tool in your shop? That is a hard one because of the various processes involved in making toys. Scrollsaw for the curved parts. Drill press and machinist lathe for wheels. Tablesaw for the bulk of the cutting. Bandsaw for the thicker stock that does not fit the scrollsaw
1961 Mini Cooper available at: toymakingplans.com
7. If you could pass one piece of advice on to a new Toy Maker, what would that be? Find an join an organization of woodworkers. The fellowship, the encouragement, show and tell. Also I would like to add, do not be afraid to try. If the piece is not exact, the child will not care. Do not be discouraged by not being perfect.
Meet Toymaker Rose (rdredge) Rose is a country girl at heart and has lived in Nebraska her whole life. I have
been teaching Special Education in Valentine, NE for 38 years. Toy making is very relaxing for me and helps me unwind at night. I do something related toy making every night. I guess you could say I am obsessed with it!! Her husband and her have three grown children and one granddaughter. She has a ton of wooden toys and also the mistakes!!! Rose’s shop if you want to call it that, is in her kitchen, living room, porch, bedroom. She’ll tell you, “I keep my wood there!! well, there and everywhere in my whole house!” Her and her husband attend about six craft shows per year to make room for new things. She’s looking forward to retirement so she can build for hours every day and attend even more craft shows.
1. How long have you been making wood toys?
I started making toys in 2015
2. Who or what was your initial inspiration?
I was on the internet and happened upon the toy making site. I thought, well, I could do that. So I got the free play pals car plans and tried it. I loved it and the rest is history. I am hooked! 3. Did you have any early roadblocks, obstacles? I have John Lewman’s original prototype for that dragon, sitting on my desk. See pic above.
The biggest problem I had is drilling holes without tear out. I tried by hand and that didn’t work. I find a drill press is great and drill from both sides. I use brad bits to do this, I also still sometimes have issues with getting end gates to fit properly if they are not cut straight. 4. What has been your favorite Toy Build project?
My favorites are truck, tractors and trailers. The dinos and dragons were fun too! 5. What does Toy Making mean to/for you?
Toy making for me is my relaxation and gives me something to do. I work on something related to toys every night. 6. Favorite tool in your shop?
Favorite tool is my scroll saw. Almost all my toys are cut out on it. (I do use a blade runner for pieces that need straight sides) 7. If you could pass one piece of advice on to a new Toy Maker, what would that be?
Read the directions !!! I am one of those that reads directions when all else fails. Not a good idea when assembling toys. I used to just look at pictures and didn’t read how to do it. I found out the hard way that the good directions are provided for a reason. I now always read directions first, even if it is something I have put together many times.
O
n a cold Christmas Eve, fifty-two years ago, John Lewman was in his woodshop building what was sure to be, THE toy of his boy’s second Christmas. Finding inspiration from the cars he’d seen in the movie, The Great Race and the first-race story of Barney Oldfield. John grabbed a board and as we say here at Wood Toy Weekly, John “started making sawdust.” So awhile back, Henry Ford decides to build a race car. He doesn’t really know what he’s doing. But he puts together a great big engine, two rails, and two axles with a transmission, seat and steering and NO springs. Ouch! This race is coming up
1912 Barney Oldfield is available at:
and the only person Ford can find strong enough to steer this wagon with an engine and a willingness to do so, was a stout fella named, Barney Oldfield. Barney had never raced before and he’s found himself in a race against professional race car drivers of that era in what were considered rather sophisticated race cars. The Race begins and the so the story goes, that Barney’s foot got stuck to the floor, So Barney’s car went wide open, airborne half the time because of course it had no springs and he goes on to win the race. Barney went on to a long and storied career as a barn-storming, dirt track master. Oldfield also drove in several major championship races for Fiat, Mercer, Maxwell, Stutz, and other manufacturers with considerable success. Early in 1910 he averaged 131.7 miles per hour with a Benz on the sand at Daytona Beach, Florida, surpassing the world’s land speed record for a measured mile by more than four miles per hour. In 1914, Oldfield drove a Mercer to second place behind Ralph DePalma in the Vanderbilt Cup road race at Santa Monica, California. He retired from driving in 1918.
Oldfield’s legacy inspired John to build his first Barney Oldfield in 1967, “five hours and five dollars worth of materials” John says. And 50 years later, it’s still around and like I said, THE Coolest car in our office. For the professional, semi-pro, and amateur wood working hobbyists, they love toys, it’s their favorite thing to build because of these reasons. This Toy is older than I am, and like me, it has a great patina, it’s solid with a nice weight to it and feels as if it could laugh off another fifty years of hard play and crashes. Rumors from the workshop tell me that John is working on a modern plan of his 1967 classic. Toymakingplans.com also has the 1912 Barney Oldfield available, a really neat build.
Meet Toymaker Rod (Rod T) Rod lives in Canberra, Australia. He works full-time and is married with 2 daughters. He has been a wood working hobbyist for about 10 years or so and claims that toymaking is a passion. He says, “Over time I have managed to kit out my double garage with A band saw, table saw, jointer, planer and drill press along with a scroll saw and various pieces of sanding equipment. I enjoy experimenting with different timbers, when I can find them. Quite often picking up old furniture and “rescuing” or “recycling” it into toys and other items. The Toymakingplans forum has also been a great resource and it is always fun seeing what others are making. I am always picking up new tips from others about how they go about making particular toys etc. I also enjoy experimenting with the plans and modifying them. Sometimes to suit my limited abilities, but also just for fun. John Lewman contacted me a couple of years ago, asking if I would consider producing a video of me constructing a toy. This was a whole new experience which was a lot of fun for myself and my daughter who helped me with it. I am also a member of the local Woodcraft Guild and find this a great resource of information and advice as well from like minded hobbyists. The Guild organizes a couple of group market stalls throughout the year and I have been able to sell some of my product, which helps fund the hobby. I have also now created a “brand” name and have some listings on Etsy. Although only selling a few items every now and then, it is generating a few funds to put back into the hobby.
TOYMAKINGPLANS.COM
Scroll Saw Magic Ciccarelli Grand Prix available at: toymakingplans.com
1. How long have you been making wood toys?
About 10 years, I started making them for my own kids and the passion grew from there. 2. Who or what was your initial inspiration?
Making wooden toys has been something that I have always wanted to do, but having my own kids was probably the when I really got going with it. 3. Did you have any early roadblocks, obstacles?
Oh, yes, lack of skills and tools. There was always “That” tool that I needed. Over time I have learnt that quality tools make a positive difference. I started out with some old second hand tools and then upgraded when I could afford to. 4. What has been your favorite Toy Build project?
No single favourite, but I definitely prefer the toymakingplans plans. I have tried a few others, but keep coming back to these as they are very easy to follow and accurate. 5. What does Toy Making mean to/for you?
The pleasure I feel by creating something that is appreciated. My toys are either given as gifts or, as I am more recently venturing into, being sold at market stalls etc. 6. Favorite tool in your shop?
That’s hard to answer, but my Scroll Saw is probably the most used tool. I keep coming back to it. I make things other than toys from time to time, but keep coming back to toys and the Scroll Saw. 7. If you could pass one piece of advice on to a new Toy Maker, what would that be?
Don’t be too self critical. Perfection is not necessary to create great quality toys. Enjoy the process as well as the finished toy. With more complex plans, break it down into sections so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. If you have a table saw, make yourself a good cross cut sled. It is particularly useful for small pieces that toys require.
Painted toys are MDF (medium density fiberboard) or fine grained hardwoods to make a smooth base for a glossy surface. Finish is spray can color glosses over white primer. First apply 3 coats of primer sanding each coat with 220 sandpaper when dry. Then apply 3 coats of gloss paint sanding each coat with 400 sandpaper when dry. Apply final coat of gloss clear. Do not sand final coat. Note: All Rust-Oleum and Krylon paints and finishes are non-toxic when dry.
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MACHO MOTORCYCLE 4-11/16” high x 3-3/8” wide x 8-3/8” long This Toy Plan was inspired by the 1948 Harley Davidson Peanut Tank
FULL-SIZE WOOD TOY PLAN SET
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Want to see your work highlighted in the pages of WTW, just drop me a line, telling me a bit about yourself and answer our seven questions. 1.How long have you been making toys? 2.Who or what was your initial inspiration? 3.Did you have any early roadblocks? 4.What has been your favorite Toy Build project? 5.What does Toy Making mean to/for you? 6.Favorite tool in your shop? 7.If you could pass one piece of advice on to a new Toy Maker, what would that be? We especially want to see your work made from our plan sets. Please e-mail images with up to six images attached to each e-mail. You can send them directly to me at: clint.metcalf@toymakingplans.com
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NOVEMBER 25th, 2019
RULES
1. Must be completely made of wood 2. Must be a car built from one of our three selected car plans (Hillbillie Hotrod, Hot Rod Jamboree or 1930 Rat Rod) 3. Must be shipped to the TMP office by November 25th (cars WILL NOT be sent back, we will donate them afterwards to one of our chosen charitable organizations) 4. MUST HAVE FUN BUILDING IT!
PRIZES
Best in Show - $200 Home Depot Card The PISTOL Trophy, A Feature in the Wood Toy Weekly Best Painted & Best Natural $50 Home Depot Card Two Honorable Mentions $25 Home Depot Card