Thread: Toy manufacturing.

I think a bandsaw would be essential making those kind of toys. Guess it depends on how serious you want to get. but something to cut out the shapes is definitely required. Could be done with a scroll saw too. A thickneesser would probably be a great help. Something to cut our holes, Hole saw for example. I think with those basic tools you could make what you want to make.

Originally Posted by kanikad

Hi ,

I am planning to put up a small scale toy making business making waldorf style toys. Have no experience in toy making myself except a few odd bits I have made out of wood which has required no special skills.

Need help with knowing the basic machinery I might need to start up with and if these can be worked by any one who has some woodworking experience. Will be employing 2 to 3 craftsmen.

Thanks
kanikad

Can I but in here?
I noticed your
Occupation "early childhood teacher " Not a wood worker or a salesman etc.To be honest,I would advise you not to start a business making wood toys.It would be almost impossable to make them for the cost of buying them.I had a quick look at prices on the net,and,I believe you could not employ people to make them for anywhere near the prices you can buy them for.Then you have the $1000's of Dollars for setting up costs,Rent Taxetcetc.Sorry to puncture your balloon.JMHO

G'Day & Welcome "kanikad" to a top forum,
I think Aussie is on the money.
I've seen some beautifully made wooden toys at markets here on the Blue Mountains and the asking price definitely doesn't represent the time & effort it took to make it.
I've talked to the sellers [mostly retired blokes] and they say that they sell the toys to try to pay for their hobby.
One bloke even mentioned it was costing him nearly $200 for public labiality insurance as a hobbyist selling toys.
Also as John said, the cost of good quality machinery for production manufacturing will set you back heaps [many, many $1000's] especially if you are employing a few tradesmen to operate them along with overheads.
I too apologise for putting a downer on your idea, sorry.
Cheers Crowie

Thanks every one. What was I thinking ? I knew I had come to the right forum and would get the right answer.

G'Day Again "kanikad",
Let me still give you some encouragement to have a go for yourself at home like the rest of us as making wooden toys is so rewarding.
Cheers, crowie

Another idea might be the ubiquitus "Men's Shed" who could probably make you components and things. Kind of like having "out workers". So if you have an idea foir a particular toy that you can't get it could be a way to go! I know the one I am connected with makes toys and things for charity. And they are not avers to doing small runs and things for local groups earning a bit of money for the club to invest in equipement and things. this would also save you from actually having to tool up. Lots of people already have to tools in their shed, and might like little projects to be involved with!

I agree. Apart from Men's Sheds there are also woodworking clubs all over the place you can approach. If the club is not interested, maybe one of the members would be.

You could also consider joining the club and take a look at the machines and gain some knowledge and experience. Drop in and take a look - take some cake. I joined a woodworking club and the experience has been great. We make toys for the disadvantaged and Timor and other countries.

Mike John

Hi Crowie, John,

Thanks again for the encouragement and tips. Any information or knowledge gained is always a part of ones life’s puzzle. The journey. The bigger picture.

I am at the cross roads of my life and getting into the toy business is the way to go for me, even if it means relocating overseas to do it, Which is not a big problem as I already have done my foot work on putting up a small scale industry overseas and would be content on taking job works or manufacture to original designs from toy makers in Aus ( this would ensure I am not competing unfairly with the local market). But first I want to exhaust my search for an avenue at home. If feasible, the project could even be part here and part there. I need it to be sustainable, profitable, meet safety and quality standards as well as be a socially and environmentally conscience business.
I have made some handmade toys out of wool/fabrics, sanded down some blocks etc for my center but nothing on a large scale. However, I have a deep understanding of how children play. It can be magical when they have the right toys and those are the toys I would like to have made and provide a sustainable business for myself. I have very little money but a good idea, fair intentions and am stubborn.
.

Kanikad