Thread: Where are the toy makers?

Juvy Its the wifes birthday 19 th Aug colbra

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

Hi Aussie
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
colbra

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

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

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

And here's my latest effort.

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

Originally Posted by keju

......... Mechanical toys have always fascinated me, not so much the real difficult, complicated ones as the simple ones kids can actually play with.....
Juvy

I am with you Juvy, I (try) to make toys for kids.... simple and actually can be used is the way to go if that is your aim. Don't anyone get me wrong, I love those really detailed ones and absolutely admire the skill that goes into making them but in a way, they are more like models than little kids toys. Just an opinion, I am sure plenty will disagree but that is ok!

Cheers,

Chipman

The books I just got say that automata actually wasn't meant to be toys for kids.... they are detailed and fragile and were made for grown ups.
Simple is always better for kids tho.... makes it much easier to repair too!
I also like the idea of letting them help or even making their own.... they take much better care of them then ...... and they do not have to be perfect.... that's part of their charm isn't it? I mean the toys not the kids...... or.... hmmm. counts for them too! lol

Juvy

I have a catalogue in my possession but sorry can't loan it
as it belongs to my woodworking club.

Hundreds of pics of toys, pull-alongs, whirligigs, furniture,
trucks, cars, mobiles and dingle dangles.

However, there is no date on the publication which was
produced by U-Build Enterprises Pty Ltd, Box 132,
Rose Bay NSW 2029. Phone (02) 9700 1765.

Printed by Offset Alpine Printing Ltd of Lidcombe
Phone (02) 9646 3000.

Couple of pics attached to give an idea of content.

Allan

Seem to remember trying to get in contact with them at one stage for a plan, without success.

Ive got a couple of plans from that catalogue, no probs.
It was about 15 years ago though. (and I havent used one of them yet)