A Toy Story A few words about NEW Toymaker Ken Smith Sitting about fifteen feet
from me in our new office is Kenneth Smith. Kenneth is Director of Social Media for toymakingplans.com and the community’s newest toybuilder. I can certainly admit that working with Master Toymaker, John Lewman can be a bit infectious regarding the design and building of toys. Our offices are spilling over with product and other forms of inspiration and it simply became more than Ken could bare. With his lovely wife’s blessing, Ken started cleaning up a corner in the family’s garage and got to work. First he sawed his way through the little pickup truck. The Toy Bug had bit him. We all knew it had too because he didn’t quit talking about the truck for days. Following that Ken added two new tools to his shop, a drill press and the coveted scroll saw. And off to the races he’s been, working second on his little tractor trailer and most recently his Lewman designed, Cessna. Similar to the one Ken’s father flew.
1. How long have you been making wood toys? Two weeks. Literally Two weeks. 2. Who or what was your initial inspiration? I feel that since I work for a toy plan company that I should be familiar with the product. I wanted to see how difficult it was to read the plans and execute them from a pure novice standpoint. Long story short though, I saw the wheels I had and a 2x4 and said “Why not make something.” 3. Did you have any early roadblocks, obstacles? Besides not using woodworking tools since 1993 middles school shop class? Yes, I didn’t realize the best way to utilize my scroll saw, especially on framing 2x4. However I am getting increasingly more comfortable with the scroll saw on a daily basis. 4. What has been your favorite Toy Build project? As simple as this sounds my basic truck, my first build because I created it from scratch myself. That however has given me a new perspective on why the plans are so awesome because I have a better foundation for my toys.
5. What does Toy Making mean to/for you? It gives me something productive to do. I dream of one day giving my grandkids wooden toys and watching their faces light up. It has also given me quality time with my three sons Kyle 18, Evan 13, and Aiden 11. They think it is really cool that dad builds things. I also want to get them into it as well. 6. Favorite tool in your shop? I have a limited tool set, so for me it would have to be my scroll saw. You have to be very present in your cuts and follow your pattern closely. In a way it is rather therapeutic. 7. If you could pass one piece of advice on to a new Toy Maker, what would that be? Just start. One of my most favorite quotes is “The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that things can only get better” - Stephen King Find any simple plan and just go with it, you will get better. I have come leaps and bounds with just 3 toy builds and so far the results have been rather rewarding.
A Toy Story
A Toy Story
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Submitted Editorial
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
$51.80 value
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