Where are the toy makers?

[Chipman]

Hi to all the toy makers out there,

I have seen some really great work in these forums and really appreciate the way people help each other and share their ideas.

When it comes to wood work, my two main areas of interest would be clock making and toy making ( what I want to do in retirement so I have already started)

I don't seem to see much about toys here... maybe I just don't know where to look! So I am going to get things started and post some pictures of some of the toys I have made. Anyone who wants to copy them is very welcome and if I had plans I would be happy to share them but I don't... I just start cutting and see what happens!!!

Most are made from radiata pine, stained with wattyl gel stain and sprayed with either estapol satin or 35% stylwood lacquer. Dowel is tassie oak, wheels and table bases tend to be jarrah or redgum. All have either been gifts or used for school fundraising.



Let's see some more of each others work

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

I have seen some really nice vehicles made out of wood but if they have small parts, then they are really big boys toys rather than for little kids... here are some simple ones suitable for little kids...


Regards,

Chipman:)

[Waldo]

I meant to be making toys for an annual fundraiser for a retirement village (taking on from my late grandad's legacy), that's what I set out to do, but I've been sidetracked for the last year :shrug:

Be back to it yet...

[Geoff Sims]

Hi to all the toy makers out there,

I have seen some really great work in these forums and really appreciate the way people help each other and share their ideas.

When it comes to wood work, my two main areas of interest would be clock making and toy making ( what I want to do in retirement so I have already started)

I don't seem to see much about toys here... maybe I just don't know where to look! So I am going to get things started and post some pictures of some of the toys I have made. Anyone who wants to copy them is very welcome and if I had plans I would be happy to share them but I don't... I just start cutting and see what happens!!!

Most are made from radiata pine, stained with wattyl gel stain and sprayed with either estapol satin or 35% stylwood lacquer. Dowel is tassie oak, wheels and table bases tend to be jarrah or redgum. All have either been gifts or used for school fundraising.



Let's see some more of each others work

Chipman:)

HI Chipman

Love the little chairs, tables and benches. Especially like the rocking crib.......very nice work. You've prompted me to try making some toys for the nieces and nephews.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Cheers
Geoff

[Chipman]

Hi Geoff

Great...

That is the purpose of these forums and in particular this thread to share our ideas and help each other.

Look forward to seeing pics of your work


Chipman:)

[Waldo]

Can't remember if I posted these or not, they're what I should be making.

[Chipman]

They look really good Waldo.... you will be able to set up your new assembly table as a place to store your toys and play with them on the top while you are waiting for glue or paint to dry!

Excellent:2tsup:

Chipman

[Waldo]

Thanks Chipman, the kids who received them love them and it raised some money too.

[TEEJAY]

They look great Waldo - nice bright colours too :2tsup: Well done

[TEEJAY]

I have seen some really nice vehicles made out of wood but if they have small parts, then they are really big boys toys rather than for little kids... here are some simple ones suitable for little kids...


Regards,

Chipman:)


Chipman that red one with nice big wheels and the ability to have rotation (suspension) where do you get those?

[Chipman]

Chipman that red one with nice big wheels and the ability to have rotation (suspension) where do you get those?


Teejay,

Everything is home made. It is the challenge I like to give myself. The wheels were cut out of 140 x 45 pine with a large elcheapo holesaw and the recesses bored out with a 60 mm forstner bit (from my clock making activities) The axles are 16 mm tassie oak dowel and the axle block is redgum drilled at an agle from both sides so that it looks like a vertical slot when viewed from the side but a perfect circle in the middle... this allows the axle to lift up either side. It was a bit fiddly to make but I enjoyed the challenge.

Thanks for the interest,

Regards,

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

Over the years, I have made quite a bit of teddy bear furniture and for little figures. The lounge furniture is "made by the metre" That is I cut and rout the various components to profile and then cut them to length on a SCMS and then it is a bit of profiling on the disk sander and a simple assembly.

I have made simple see-saws but they are either up or down so I fiddled with some designs and came up with the piece of spring pushed onto dowels...this way when you give it a push and it will keep rocking for quite awhile. My aim with toy making is always to make something for kids that will do something or move as that is what gets them interested.

The rockers are on a spring too and will rock for quite a long time.. Some adults have taken them as stress relievers... just imagine it is the boss and give it a flick!! I have one near an air vent and it rocks away all by itself.

If any of you decide to make a spring toy, it may take a bit of trial and error to match the spring tension and length to the weight and size of the toy.

Hope some of you try some of these toys and don't forget to post some pictures of yours!

Chipman:)

[hawkinob]

Hi,
The "Australian Toy-Maker', it's an annual publication, was a good start for me.
Bob H.

[bitingmidge]

Chipman,

I've often wondered why there weren't more toys made, thanks for filling the gap. I'll have a couple of pull-alongs finished in a day or two, and will upload pics then!

Great work, I love the monster trucks too.

Cheers,

P
:D

[manoftalent]

I used to make toys and sell them at a popular market every sunday ....then along came the cheaper imports .....with the price of timber who can keep up....

[Chipman]

I used to make toys and sell them at a popular market every sunday ....then along came the cheaper imports .....with the price of timber who can keep up....


I agree,

That is why I have decided to keep my toy making a hobby and use them as gifts as the price people think they are worth seldom covers the cost of the materials. I would find it difficult to see how you could ever turn a profit out of it.

However, if it pays for some at least you are still getting to do your hobby without going completely broke.

Regards,

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

Here are some more toys

The first is a Koala Gym made with those small clip on little Aussie Koalas that clip onto a pencil. The middle pole has arm that spins around.
http://www.woodworkforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=76314&d=1214475526

This is a maypole, the Koalas are on a chain and as you spin the handle, the koalas swing out. It was a bit of a challenge making the top spin freely.

http://www.woodworkforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=76315&d=1214475526

This is perhaps my favourite Teddy Bear toy... the bi-plane. The pocket for the bear was bored out from the front where the engine is and then drilled down from the top of the fuselage to make the cockpit. Finally the engine was turned on the lathe to fill in the front hole in the fuselage.
http://www.woodworkforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=76316&d=1214475599


Hope you get a chance to make some of these toys

Just remember these ones have small bits on them and so there must be an age limit.

Chipman

[Waldo]

Love the biplane. :2tsup:

[Garell]

I quite like both your toys. I have made a few over the last couple of years. Take a look, tell me what you think. More to come later. Kids birthdays soon.

[Chipman]

You have got some nice toys there Garell, :2tsup:

I am sure your kids love them. I always reckon that people appreciate things more when they know it is made for them. My son is 29 and has kept the train and carriages I made for him when he was a kid (doesn't play with it!)

I really like your train:2tsup::2tsup:

Don't forget to post your pics when you make your next lot


Chipman:)

[Ozkaban]

The first is a Koala Gym made with those small clip on little Aussie Koalas that clip onto a pencil. The middle pole has arm that spins around.

Hi Chipman,

That's brilliant... I've always wondered what do do with those little blighters once you've paid your $2 (or whatever it is these days) for whatever charity fundraiser is on.

I hope you don't mind of I copy your idea:D

cheers,
Dave

[Chipman]

Hi Chipman,

That's brilliant... I've always wondered what do do with those little blighters once you've paid your $2 (or whatever it is these days) for whatever charity fundraiser is on.

I hope you don't mind of I copy your idea:D

cheers,
Dave


Absolutely not! I would be glad for anyone to make copies or use these posts to get ideas... after all that is what it is all about.

When I stop my current job (some say retire!) I want to make toys for kids/charities etc so if there is a whole bunch of us doing it, then it is even better!

As always, I would encourage all to post their pics when they are done.

Cheers,

Chipman:)

[Harry72]

Nice work Chippy, just glad my SWMBO is not here to see it... she a TBA




















(TBA... teddy bear addict)

[artme]

Wonderful stuph!:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

All you toyboys should be well pleased with yourselves!!:D:D:p:p

[Chesand]

Ah! an Arctophile

TBA... teddy bear addict)[/QUOTE]

[Chipman]

Thanks for the comments... I have quite a few friends who are TBA's

OK for today's toy

This is obviously a light house but with a difference. it is actually a night light with a blue LED in it. It is powered from any 9V plug pack. The switch down the bottom allows you to not only turn it off but to choose two modes of operation. ON or FLASH

And what is it made from....

Wait for it.....

Would you believe MDF!

Cheers,

Chipman:)

OK you toy makers, I will be running out of pictures soon so it is time for you to post pics of your toys!

[Chikoroll]

love the swings,

how much do these generally sell for? (and the imports)

might be an idea to propose a deal with the local IGA, Raffle an item (or a group of items) every Saturday, anything under X value you keep full takings, 50-50 after that

[Chipman]

love the swings,

how much do these generally sell for? (and the imports)

might be an idea to propose a deal with the local IGA, Raffle an item (or a group of items) every Saturday, anything under X value you keep full takings, 50-50 after that

In answer to your questions:

I don't sell anything! they are gifts.. some have been given to my school for fundraising and I think they may have gone for $20-$30 but hardly a good guide. I prefer not to know what they sell for!

I am not sure what you mean by imports.... if you mean imported swings like these, I have never seen any. I specialise in original designs (if there is ever anything truly original) as that is part of the satisfaction I get from doing this craft.

I guess if I was wanting to make a business out of it, I would not be posting pictures here! but I am more interested in making things for kids and helping other like minded individuals do it too....much more rewarding in my opinion.

When I finally switch from teaching to post employment (retirement) I may have to think about selling some things to help offset my expenses.

Thanks for your suggestions,

Chipman:)

[Stuart]

Sure these have been on here before...
http://stusshed.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/t-rex.jpg
http://stusshed.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/stove-1-of-1.jpg
http://stusshed.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/pict6005.jpg

[Chipman]

Hi Stuart,

I had seen your loader and the skeleton before on your web site (good one too!) but not the doll's house furniture. Well designed and made. Did you end up painting the stove and sink? What finish did you use on the loader? The loader looks loke it is very strong and able withstand some heavy kid usage

Excellent:2tsup::2tsup:

Chipman

[colbra]

Hi Chipman
I too often wondered if there were many people making model cars and toys, I spend a lot of my woodworking time in the back shed make small cars and trucks to give to people, I must have made about 40 or 50 of them its great if I keep going I might be another Henry Ford the best thing they don't use much petrol !
All jokes aside I realy enjoy making them I have been thinking about doing some with a local woodworking group, to give to the kids or to raise some money at there fetes maybe even start section on this forum if there are people interested in making them you could possibly swap plans and ideas there are all sorts of cars and trucks and automotive plant you can make.
I have seen some over the years, and there are some very talened people out there it would be good if they were to share there skills with us I will keep intouch as I making some other things I am just about make my grandson a forklift
Regards colbra

[hawkinob]

Hi,
Here's a couple of pictures, the Barbi Bed was scrollsaw work and the truck from a magazine. I laid a one metre rule for size indication for the truck. Other than the smaller pull along toys these are my first So I'm into it now (I hope the Mums (my daughters) accept them).
The wheels for the truck - 34 of them - were a challenge, done with cheapy hole cutter and the painting I could do without. Enjoyed cutting the stencils for the lettering, especially as they worked!!!
I'm not one for producing designs but if I was I reckon that would a way to finance the hobby.
Regards,
Bob H.

[Chipman]

Nice work Bob:2tsup::2tsup:

The bed is really nice... I have never tried scroll work before but I often see some really great stuff at the wood shows.

That is a lot of wheels!!!!! and the truck is nicely finished. the kids will really love it.

I make two different type of wheels. One way is to use a wheel cutter in the drill press (two different sizes made by Carbitool) and the other is to bore a pocket in the wood say 16mm diameter with a forstner bit and then use a hole saw to cut the outside of the wheel. To smooth them off, I mount them in the drill press. I use a long 6mm bolt with the head cut off for a mandrel. When it comes to painting, I usually spray them. I mount them on a piece of 6mm dowel to hold them while spraying them.

I also put a 6mm steel tube through the middle (brake bundy tube) and mount them with a screw... acts like a bearing and they spin really well.

Cheers,

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

Hi Chipman
I too often wondered if there were many people making model cars and toys, I spend a lot of my woodworking time in the back shed make small cars and trucks to give to people, I must have made about 40 or 50 of them its great if I keep going I might be another Henry Ford the best thing they don't use much petrol !
All jokes aside I realy enjoy making them I have been thinking about doing some with a local woodworking group, to give to the kids or to raise some money at there fetes maybe even start section on this forum if there are people interested in making them you could possibly swap plans and ideas there are all sorts of cars and trucks and automotive plant you can make.
I have seen some over the years, and there are some very talened people out there it would be good if they were to share there skills with us I will keep intouch as I making some other things I am just about make my grandson a forklift
Regards colbra

Sounds like a good idea.... There are some really good toymaking groups out there!

Chipman:)

[Stuart]

Hi Stuart,

I had seen your loader and the skeleton before on your web site (good one too!) but not the doll's house furniture. Well designed and made. Did you end up painting the stove and sink? What finish did you use on the loader? The loader looks loke it is very strong and able withstand some heavy kid usage

Excellent:2tsup::2tsup:

Chipman
The stove and sink were given away as is for the parents to decide how they wanted them finished (painted, varnished, natural etc). BTW, it isn't dolls house furniture - they stand about 400mm high! Featured in last year's Australian ToyMaker Magazine.

For the loader, it was waxed (Ubeaut traditional). As to toughness - bugger the kids - it sits on my desk so I can play with it!

[Chipman]

[quote=Stuart;- it sits on my desk so I can play with it![/quote]


It often gets like that... thanks for the info!


Chipman

[Chipman]

Hi Chipman
I too often wondered if there were many people making model cars and toys, I spend a lot of my woodworking time in the back shed make small cars and trucks to give to people, I must have made about 40 or 50 of them its great if I keep going I might be another Henry Ford the best thing they don't use much petrol !
All jokes aside I realy enjoy making them I have been thinking about doing some with a local woodworking group, to give to the kids or to raise some money at there fetes maybe even start section on this forum if there are people interested in making them you could possibly swap plans and ideas there are all sorts of cars and trucks and automotive plant you can make.
I have seen some over the years, and there are some very talened people out there it would be good if they were to share there skills with us I will keep intouch as I making some other things I am just about make my grandson a forklift
Regards colbra


Finally got to see the photos... Henry would be proud... or jealous!:D:D:D:2tsup::2tsup:

Nice work

Chipman:)

[graemet]

Here are a few of my efforts. My toybox design was published in Toymaker, the others were from various books or made up on the fly. The pushcart was designed for my granddaughter who was having trouble learning to walk and needed something she could put her weight on without it tipping.
Cheers
Graeme

[Chipman]

Hi Graeme,

You have some nice stuff there!:2tsup::2tsup: That is a really good idea making Thomas as a box! I think most kids like to put things inside and have a place to hide things. When I last made a toy train, I turned the boiler on the lathe and then hollowed it out to keep the weight down...if I do one again, I will use it as a storage place. The truck is a real credit to your skills too... it has detail and is robust for little kids to use...well done. The pull along is good too. Are the wheels off centre so it rises and falls as you pull it? The trolley and rings are good play things as well.


Thanks for posting your things Graeme

Cheers
Chipman:)

[Chipman]

My daughter works in the medical field and wanted some toys to get the young one's minds off what was happening. She asked me to make a turned rocking chair for a soft toy (Cookie Monster) Here is a picture of what I made... the wood is Makore and it is sprayed with 35% gloss lacquer.It was about 200mm tall

One of the things you will find when making this kind of thing is accuracy. If you are out by 1 or 2 mm in a full size chair, it hardly shows but on a scaled down object it really shows.

Regards,

Chipman:)

[Paul O'H. Ingersoll Canad]

Chipman
These were last Xmas

http://pohallor.fp.execulink.com/cars52007.jpg

http://pohallor.fp.execulink.com/animal32007.jpg

I have about 500 ready for this year.
They are given to organizations that look after kids, The smaller ones go into shoe boxes and are distributed offshore by " Samaritan's Purse "

There are more toys here
HTTP://paul.ohalloran.ca

paul

[Chipman]

Wow:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

You certainly have been busy... Do you do it by yourself or do you have some others to help you. Just the painting takes a long time.

While the toys are superb, the reason why you are doing it, is the really good part. That is the kind of thing I want to do when I change from paid employment to.... (retirement!)

My wife has retired already due to health reasons and she keeps herself busy knitting jumpers for babies with AIDS in Africa... in 2 years, she has already hand knitted more than 1000!

There are a lot of people in need and it is good to do what you can to help, especially for kids.

Truly remarkable effort,

Regards,
Chipman:)

[Paul O'H. Ingersoll Canad]

Chipman
Thanks

I do it all. I get scraps from local woodworkers, Buy the wheels And axles in bulk. The Kiwanis Club gives me a tax receipt to cover the invoices. I use a water based Non-toxic craft paint. remember 3 year old kids do not critique paint jobs so you don't have to be real fancy.
This is an excellent book on Toys " How to Make Animated Toys " by David Wakefield, your local library should be able to find a copy.
For other plans I do an internet search of " wooden Toys " and " Borrow " the design.
One of my favorite is this one that I borrowed. the one on the right is the newest
http://pohallor.fp.execulink.com/cartpuzzle2.jpg
There are over 20,000 combinations to put the three cars on the trailer, only one is a perfect fit. This toy makes kids think. I have had 3 year old solve this puzzle. Some adults have problems with it, the 20,000 intimidates them.
If you want the details to build this one let me know

Paul

[Chipman]

Hi Paul,

As I said in an earlier post, I always make my own wheels...quite time consuming! but with the number of toys you are making, it certainly would be more time effective to buy them, especially when their are others willing to help in your work.

Thanks for your kind offer, I will pm my contact details to you.


Regards,

Chipman:)

[JMB]

I made this doll's house for my niece last Christmas. I copied the design off a doll's house I saw on the internet. I liked the organic feel of the house, but the design was a bit impractical because it was a bit hard to access the inside of the house. Also very slow to make.

[Chipman]

Great Doll's house Jmb... I reckon your Niece really loves that. I understand what you mean about the access problem. Some solutions include hinge out front or sides, lift up hinged roof or pull out rooms like a box or draw.

Regards,

Chipman:)

[hawkinob]

There are over 20,000 combinations to put the three cars on the trailer, only one is a perfect fit. This toy makes kids think. I have had 3 year old solve this puzzle. Some adults have problems with it, the 20,000 intimidates them.
If you want the details to build this one let me know

Paul[/QUOTE]

Hi, would it possible for the details to be seen on this forum? If not could I have them privately?
Thanks, Bob H.

[STAR]

I think this subject deserves a separate section. I know Neil may be struggling with bandwidth costs, but if we can not do that I do not think that the picture gallery is the correct place for this.

I only found it by checking everything to see what I like, but do not have a lot of spare time. Either way, just keep bumping it to the top. At present i am making a toy train for my grandson. I t is more of a keepsake that i hope his mother appreciates and can be put in his room as a piece of furniture rather then a toy for a two year old. it is designated for Christmas.

It has been a real learning curve for me. I have turned the boiler and the wheels. ( Never turned before ) As Chipman has done I intend to hollow the boiler to reduce the weight. Thanks for that Chipman. You have confirmed I am on the right track.

The train will have a lot of brass on it and it is a project that is taking up a lot of time but is a good project to do at our wood work club as I do not have to keep finding projects to do.

[Chipman]

I think this subject deserves a separate section. I know Neil may be struggling with bandwidth costs, but if we can not do that I do not think that the picture gallery is the correct place for this.

I only found it by checking everything to see what I like, but do not have a lot of spare time. Either way, just keep bumping it to the top. At present i am making a toy train for my grandson. I t is more of a keepsake that i hope his mother appreciates and can be put in his room as a piece of furniture rather then a toy for a two year old. it is designated for Christmas.

It has been a real learning curve for me. I have turned the boiler and the wheels. ( Never turned before ) As Chipman has done I intend to hollow the boiler to reduce the weight. Thanks for that Chipman. You have confirmed I am on the right track.

The train will have a lot of brass on it and it is a project that is taking up a lot of time but is a good project to do at our wood work club as I do not have to keep finding projects to do.


Star,

Hope your train goes well, why not do it as a work in progress WIP
I am at the starting stage for a sit in rocking horse and plan to do it as a WIP. I don't consider myself an expert but by sharing we may help others or others can help us as we go.. When I do mine, I won't post it in this forum.

Cheers'

Chipman

[munruben]

What a beautiful thread and what lovely toys have been made. A pleasure to look at. Congratulations to all of you.:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[funkychicken]

Here's a truck I made at school last year

[Chipman]

Nice one Funky:2tsup:

Straight forward and toddler proof! Sometimes people think that little kids toys have to be full of all sorts of intricate detail but not only is that a hazard to little kids but not important. For a lot of little kids a block on an end of a string will keep them busy for hours. As they get older wheels and looking like the real thing is what they want. My only suggestion would be for real little kids, I would tend to round the corners a bit.

Was that one of your own designs or one given to you?
Were you doing for someone or as an assigned task?

(Just interested as a comparison to what they do at the school where I teach)


Regards,

Chipman:)

[STAR]

Chipman,

Once I get my head around how to show a work in progress I will do that.

As far as the rocking horse goes, which is way above my ability at the moment, I have discovered a new way to produce one.

When I get my act together as far as W.I.P. is concerned I will show a simple way to produce one and I think this section is possibly the right one to do it in.

I have one in progress at the moment, I do not think it will be completed for another eight weeks, so be patient, before you all pour scorn on me.

[Garell]

G'Day there every one.

As I said in a post before, there where more toy's on the way. Well its my twin boy's birthday tomorrow and I have to 2 gifts for them. A tractor with trailer, and a log jinker to go with there truck they got for christmas. I was going to paint then but I was running out of time so oiled them instead. Let me know what you think.

By the way, anyone know where I can get the black wheels and magnets you see on the wooden thomas the tank engine stuff. Looking at making my own track and carages next.

[Ron Dunn]

Garell, love the tree trunks :) And I think the toys look great oiled.

[Chipman]

Chipman,

Once I get my head around how to show a work in progress I will do that.

As far as the rocking horse goes, which is way above my ability at the moment, I have discovered a new way to produce one.

When I get my act together as far as W.I.P. is concerned I will show a simple way to produce one and I think this section is possibly the right one to do it in.

I have one in progress at the moment, I do not think it will be completed for another eight weeks, so be patient, before you all pour scorn on me.


Hi Star,

Just start a new thread... call it WIP Rocking horse (or what ever it is)

And as you do different parts or progress simply post the pics in another post within your thread and a description/commentary of what you are doing.

My rocking horse will be a sit in one... I made one for my kids about 27 years ago! really sorry now we sold it! I will attach a pic of one something like it.


I think you will find on this thread, no one is going to criticise anyone as we are all interested in one thing... doing stuff for kids!

Hope this helps

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

Garrell,

Nice work :2tsup::2tsup:

and I am sure your boys will love them. Wishing them a really happy birthday and you all have a great day!


Chipman:)

[Chikoroll]

Garell, love the truck :D

[KevinB]

Hi Chipman,
I like your rocking horse pic. I don't want to make a 'sit-on-top' rocking horse lest a child fall from it. But a child would be as safe as it's possible to be in this toy.
May I ask where can you get plans from?

Regards,

. . . KevinB

[funkychicken]

Nice one Funky:2tsup:

Was that one of your own designs or one given to you?
Were you doing for someone or as an assigned task?


Everyone in my class made the same truck, It wasn't for anyone. I just had to make it
It's supposed to hack a stack but I ran outta time


I must say I love to see those trucks done like near exact replicas. Must make one myself...One day...

[forunna]

Good on ya Chipman,
this is a good thread. Could be worth a whole forum maybe.
I love making toys and there are some beauties on here.
I am hoping to make a few firetrucks to sell at our Firebrigade openday to rasie funds for our Cadet group.
This is the prototypes I made for my kids a few years ago.
(Volunteer Bushfire Service vehicles are white in WA)

The big one is based on an old Dennis fire truck and the small one is based on a modern Landcruiser. The 'men' were supposed to get helmets but it never happened and I will have to change my painting technique.

[underfoot]

way way back I used to make toys for my kids
they are what got me into woodwork in the first place,
this is a well used F1 in rosewood, its about 600mm long
there's a few more lying around somewhere, I'll see if I can find em.

[wheelinround]

Here's a truck I made at school last year

Last year why isn't it finished no excuses, :D
No stacks, :no: No Bull Bar, but you did make it orthentic :cool: like many trucks on our roads held together with a few cheap chinese screws

Top stuff Andrew :2tsup::2tsup:

Like all the toys here great work so much to do so little time to do it.:roll:

[Chipman]

Hi Chipman,
I like your rocking horse pic. I don't want to make a 'sit-on-top' rocking horse lest a child fall from it. But a child would be as safe as it's possible to be in this toy.
May I ask where can you get plans from?

Regards,

. . . KevinB

I dont have a plan! I am planing to make four so I will definitely be making a template... so if you can wait, I can organise something like a plan off what I do. Alternatively go on the net and look up "rocking horse coloring in" and find a picture you like and scale it up (that is where I am up to at the moment) Just remember it is best to alter the general shape of the horse to have wider and shorter legs for stability... als make sure the rockers are long enough to prevent the rocking horse going all the way over front or back!

As for the size,
Look up these two pages and use the sizes as a guide for the age of the child/ren who will be using it...it gives chair dimensions and is an excellent resource for chair making.

www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/Chairs/Me-Do-ItChairs/index.htm (http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/Chairs/Me-Do-ItChairs/index.htm)
www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/tables/tablechairchart.htm (http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/tables/tablechairchart.htm)

Regards,

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

Good on ya Chipman,
this is a good thread. Could be worth a whole forum maybe.
I love making toys and there are some beauties on here.
I am hoping to make a few firetrucks to sell at our Fire brigade open day to raise funds for our Cadet group.
This is the prototypes I made for my kids a few years ago.
(Volunteer Bush fire Service vehicles are white in WA)

The big one is based on an old Dennis fire truck and the small one is based on a modern Landcruiser. The 'men' were supposed to get helmets but it never happened and I will have to change my painting technique.


Hi Craig,

Good on you for doing that to help the volunteer firees! The trucks look nice too. Painting is always a challenge....

I painting by hand, have you used one of those foam brushes?

You could try an air brush and spray it

As for lettering, I have sometimes used that rub on lettering (from office supply places) and then put a clear finish over it.

None the less, they look nice and people buy them because they are hand made and for your fire brigade!

Regards,

Chipman:)

[Chipman]

way way back I used to make toys for my kids
they are what got me into woodwork in the first place,
this is a well used F1 in rosewood, its about 600mm long
there's a few more lying around somewhere, I'll see if I can find em.

I have never seen anything like this! They are really really good:2tsup::2tsup: It must have taken a lot time and skill to shape them so well and the finish is excellent.

It always amazes me the skills that different people have and the wonderful toys they make.

Cheers,

Chipman:)

[rhancock]

I dont have a plan! I am planing to make four so I will definitely be making a template... so if you can wait, I can organise something like a plan off what I do. Alternatively go on the net and look up "rocking horse coloring in" and find a picture you like and scale it up (that is where I am up to at the moment) Just remember it is best to alter the general shape of the horse to have wider and shorter legs for stability... als make sure the rockers are long enough to prevent the rocking horse going all the way over front or back!

As for the size,
Look up these two pages and use the sizes as a guide for the age of the child/ren who will be using it...it gives chair dimensions and is an excellent resource for chair making.

www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/Chairs/Me-Do-ItChairs/index.htm (http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/Chairs/Me-Do-ItChairs/index.htm)
www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/tables/tablechairchart.htm (http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/c/tables/tablechairchart.htm)

Regards,

Chipman:)

Great links, Chipman. Thanks very much! I've been mulling over designs for chairs for the kids to go with a table I'm about to make and these chairs are perfect inspiration.

[funkychicken]

No Bull Bar,



Whaddya think the thing on the front is??

[echnidna]

a low roof rack :U

[wheelinround]

Whaddya think the thing on the front is??

What the Bull Bar hangs off .........the bumper bar

I get it its an Army truck they have that sort so drivers can push start other vehicles :D

[Shakie]

G,day to all,

I'm a newbie here on the forum and also a newbie to this woodworking caper but I was attracted to the toy thread because I've recently completed my first major attempt at toy making.

Here's a pic. Pick it to bits and give me your feedback. I'm willing to learn.

[Chipman]

Welcome to the Forums Shakie!

The crane looks great! :2tsup: you don't need to worry about people pulling your work apart.

Tell me about the wheels... Did you make them or buy them? From the photo they appear to have rubber tyres on them so if you made them what did you use.

Did you make this for a child or like a lot of us...made a toy for us to play with!

Keep building them and we look forward to your next post!

Regards,

Chipman:)

[colbra]

Welcome Aboard Shakie
Great work looks good did you build it from a plan or make as you went along it appears to be about a metre in length or maybe more
regards colbra :2tsup:

[Slow6]

way way back I used to make toys for my kids
they are what got me into woodwork in the first place,
this is a well used F1 in rosewood, its about 600mm long
there's a few more lying around somewhere, I'll see if I can find em.

oooeeer.. very cool!

Here's a few from a couple of years ago. Still do the occasional batch of toys but as mentioned in this thread already the cost of time and materials is a barrier.
Great fun to make though.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showpost.php?p=414371&postcount=1

[colbra]

Hi All
Have just posted a suggestion in DISCUSSION & FEEDBACK it may be of interest to you
Regards colbra :)

[Shakie]

G,day all,
Thanks for the welcome. The crane was made from an old plan I bought in 1986 but never got round to using. The wheels I just turned and painted the edges black. Its 600mm long and the 3 stage boom extends out 1.3 metres. There are locking stages on each boom segment and also on the raising and lowering of the boom. The main cable has a locking brake and there are also 4 wind down stabilising jacks. :wink:

[Chipman]

Slow,

Nice ones....
Do I take it you used to make and sell toys? I would guess that would be a bit difficult to make a living from....
I often go to a Craft Market at Yarra Glen in Victoria... Sam's Handcrafts always has wooden toys for sale..here is his website

http://www.samscrafts.com.au/

There is also an elderly gentlemen that usually turns up and he makes toys mainly becouse he loves doing things for kids and gives his time to teach it as a craft at schools.


Shakie

Thanks for the extra info Shakie... you have really put a lot of detail into the crane!


Colbra

It is a good idea to have a toymakers sub forum... this is not really the place for it.



Cheers,

Chipman:)

[lubbing5cherubs]

wow guys I have never seen this forum until now beautiful work all of you should be proud of your effort. Great work
Toni

[Stuart]

Forum has only existed for about 3 hours! Looking forward to seeing how it grows.

[forunna]

Welcome aboard Shakie, nice crane.
Anything else to show?

[Slow6]

Slow,

Nice ones....
Do I take it you used to make and sell toys? I would guess that would be a bit difficult to make a living from....


Tricky at best Chipman. however I must admit to ending me venture prematurely, I would have liked to explore a couple of other options that I think may have made the difference but I discovered how much fun it is making babies and got thoroughly distracted:-

[underfoot]

found a couple more of the toys I made for the kids way way back,
nice to see that they still hang onto them (they're now in their teens) when all the plastic toys have long been scrapped,
they used to help me make em, good BIG fun :)

[Slow6]

found a couple more of the toys I made for the kids way way back,
nice to see that they still hang onto them (they're now in their teens) when all the plastic toys have long been scrapped,
they used to help me make em, good BIG fun :)

The fish... The fish:2tsup: reminds me of Heath Robinson stories. beautiful.

[Chipman]

Love them all :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup: but my favorite is the plane... it is ....#2$5^&@! (can't find the right word) will settle for FANTASTIC


Cheers,

Chipman:)

[forunna]

Love that spitfire Underfoot. (it is a spitfire isnt it?)

[keju]

Oh how'd I miss this new forum? I love toys..... specially the old fashioned, simple ones..... hard to find patterns for.

From what I've seen so far we have some real artists among us.... some of these toys are way beyond kids play things..... absolutley fantastic! So original !

For a while now I've made puzzles...... no groaning please.. one can NEVER have too many puzzles! :) Serious tho.... aside from the usual crop of puzzles I think I've come up with special ones. The little guys send me a drawing and I make a puzzle from it.... usually in a frame so the pieces won't get lost so easy.
I'm hoping everyone with little kids in their lives will pick up this idea... so easy... and it makes the little guys soooo proud of themselves.

It's a perfect project for beginning scrollers, even bigger siblings can do it..... you can make it as detailed as you like or leave it very simple, unfinished, just sanded well.

Just scan in the drawing so it's easy to size..... but you can just use the original too .... size it to whatever scrap of wood you have at hand... print out... use glue stick to glue it on ( you could put masking tape on first) cut out... you can then draw on the puzzle pieces ( make sure they interlock) or you can freehand them. Sand well and you're done..... unless you want to paint it to match the original.... you could also let the original artist do the honours :)

If anyone tries this..... would you please share here? Would love to see more

Juvy

[AUSSIE]

I am not sure what section this fits into.
I have been making wood locks for a short period .Pic is one I made from Jarrah. I received from Marginata in perth.
www.perthwoodschool.com.au (http://www.perthwoodschool.com.au)
I dont call it a toy,but it is meant for display only
Fully working with key.
200mm high x 130 wide 60 thick
Finish is wipe on poly:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Chipman]

Looking good Aussie:2tsup:
Jarrah is beautiful wood and your finish is excellent

What sort of mechanism do you have inside it? Is a gate type lock or does it have tumblers in it?

I am sure everyone would like to see how you make them so why not do the next one and post the pics as you make it.


Cheers,
Chipman

[keju]

Aussie is this one from the first or second book of locks? I've only seen the first one when it came in.. customer just about ripped it out of my hands.... no time to do some serious browsing.... was wondering how difficult these locks are to make?

I know.... to all you guys it's all easy..... but I mainly use the scrollsaw, drill press and the dremel for a bit of small stuff routing.....

Juvy

[colbra]

Hi people
I'm in trouble again I just brought the book on bank card can't help my self
colbra:)

[keju]

Just to tempt you ........
There is a second book:
"Making MORE Working Wooden Locks"
http://www.woodnshop.com/images/BOOKS/8094193679.jpg
think that's what it's called anyway ........
Now you know I'll deny I told you should your wife ask :)

Juvy

[colbra]

Juvy Its the wifes birthday 19 th Aug:rolleyes: colbra:)

[AUSSIE]

Thanks for your kind remarks guys
It is the first thing I have put on the net to show my work.A bit hard on the nerves first time.
I started with the book COLBRA just bought.I made one and left it open to test the mechanisim out.After a lot of mods I ended up with a reliable setup.
I was used to metal and fine clearances etc.This doesnt work with wood.
Plenty of clearance on all pivots and sliding parts.
The spring is wood but different to the book.It is in a slightly different place ,longer and thicker for reliability.
I also used larger dowel for pivots and put them through the 3 layers of wood.
This helped the assembly and stopped distortion.
I really should have taken photos all the way like you said
The type is lever lock.
I have some that are my own design and larger
Juvy ,you have most of the tools,I also use a disc sander and a spindle sander alot.
and a small bench saw and bandsaw all small cheap stuff at the moment.
Forstner bits and bradpoint drills help alot also.
You could round the edges with a file and sandpaper but a router is much better.
I started with the book and no gear.
I read the book and went and bought the gear needed and some more as I needed it.
Maybe I did it backwards but it worked for me.
To give you an idea off size off the square lock,the shackle is 32mm dia and the body is 26cm across

[colbra]

Hi Aussie :2tsup::2tsup:
Top job they look teriffic and finished off really well I like the idea of having to have plenty of clearance thats right up my ally most of my projects have plenty of clearance :rolleyes:
colbra:)

[STAR]

I wonder how you got the latch part rounded. What was the procedure for that. great locks.

Can you do them with a simplified combination lock for a toy chest or glory box.

I reckon they would look great.

[AUSSIE]

I wonder how you got the latch part rounded. What was the procedure for that. great locks.

Can you do them with a simplified combination lock for a toy chest or glory box.

I reckon they would look great.
Hi STAR
The shackle is rather difficult to do. the large square lock has a round shackle and 32mm dia (1 1/4"
I cut it out of tas oak and sanded it exactly 32mm in all directions.You need this to be spot on as now you run a 5/8" roundover router bit around it on the 4 sides.Take several light cuts at this.
Dont know about a simple combination lock for toy box.Maybe for photos but not to keep kids out.Not strong enough for that .
I havent made a combination lock by the way .but look harder to make
Aussie

[keju]

Oh I love ALL of those locks! They really look great! Did read they weren't really meant to be used as locks, only as conversation pieces. Who'd want to mess up somethign this good looking anyway?

Juvy

[Stuart]

I've got that book on my shelf as well - project for retirement (in 20 years or so!)

[rhancock]

Here's a toy my kids love, that I picked up for a couple of dollars. Credit to the creator!

And here's (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?p=776967#post776967)my latest effort.

[keju]

I just got two books from the library with animated dinos and things...... a couple look like they might have been the model to your find!
Now if I'd just have the confidence to actually make one of them. Mechanical toys have always fascinated me, not so much the real difficult, complicated ones as the simple ones kids can actually play with.

Love your kitchen.... that must have been one happy little girl!

Juvy