The Great All-American Wooden Toy Book

First of all, I generally like this book and have made several toys shown in the book. However, I feel that it would be beneficial for anyone interested in buying this book to be aware of the following facts:1. To make the boiler for a train called The General, the author indicates that you glue up three pieces of 3/4" stock and turn it on a lathe to the specifications shown. I can't think of any way to make that boiler without a lathe.2. For the same project, the author indicates that you need a band saw or scroll saw to cut notches in a piece of wood for one of the parts. Also, I can't think of any way to cut windows in the middle of a piece of wood without a scroll saw.3. Here's a procedure that might challenge a novice or beginning woodworker: To make the cowcatcher for the train, tilt the band saw table to 30 degrees, and set the miter gauge at 30 degrees to make the cut.4. Another train called Santa Fe requires a total of 12 wheels, 6 on each side. That means that the 12 axle holes all have to be aligned perfectly, or some wheels will be higher or lower than others. If you are really good at drilling perfectly straight holes that are perfectly aligned with a hand held drill I commend you. It's not even that easy with a drill press.5. I would estimate that more than 60% of the parts are made from 3/8" stock. If you have a band saw capable of re sawing 3/4" stock then there's no problem. But you can't buy 3/8" pine at your local Home Depot. In fact, it's hard to find 3/8" hardwood at Home Depot. It's difficult for me to justify buying 3/8" piece of hardwood just to make the bed for a trailer or train car. You can use MDF for some of the non-3/4" parts, but if the toy is left out in the rain for any length of time the MDF tends to deteriorate.6. For two of the support pieces for a train, the author indicates to use a 2" and 1-1/2" hole saw to make the circular cutouts and then cut the supports to length and width with a band saw or scroll saw. Sounds simple, but I personally find that using a hole saw is not a fast and easy procedure. Again, if you can use a 2" hole saw chucked to your had held drill to make those cuts I commend you.As mentioned, I really like many of the toys in this book. As long as you have the necessary tools (band saw, scroll saw, hole saw, lathe, and drill press) and can either find 3/8" stock or re saw other stock on your band saw, or maybe table saw, you will then be able to make all of the projects in the book. Just be prepared.

The book is fine. However I do have an issue. I've been out of town and wea not able to respond because I had not seen the book. There was a thing at the bottom of the page that said people ordering this might like these. There were three more woodworking plans books and I ordered them. They arrived before I left town. The book in question did not. No problem. On arriving home from my trip I opened the new arrival. Different cover, slightly different title, but the plans inside were exactly the same as a book in the three pack I had already received. I want to return this book but don't feel that I should have to pay shipping to do this! Please inform me on how to accomplish this.Garry [email protected]

I've bought several books of plans to use to make my three year old grandson happy. This is by far the best I've found. I've built the semi tractor truck, the cab-over truck, the flat bed trailer, low-boy trailer, tanker trailer, and the crane. The Little Prince loves them all. The plans are, in general, clear and complete with few dimensional errors. Anyone like me with only moderate woodworking skills can make attractive, durable toys using the guidance this book provides. Be aware that there is a newer version with a different cover and title but apparently with the same content. Be cautious.

It has a lot of great patterns and perfect instructions

I ordered the book for my Dad and he was VERY happy with the book! He was surprised at the awesome condition of the book ("better than the one I had checked out at the library" he said). It came quicker than projected and it even included a special touch of a personalized bookmark. Thank you so much! We would look you up again in the future! Jan Kaus

I've been using this book to make toys for children for 15 years and find the drawings and instructions clear and easy to follow. I like how all the projects are designed around stock lumber. One reviewer mentioned that the drawings are on grids for easy scaling. I should note that only items that are odd shaped and can't be drawn full scale in the book are on grids, but that is all that is needed. The only toy that I would have liked to have been included is a dump truck, but I designed my own once I got the hang of how his trucks are designed.

I've looked though several wood toy books. These toys can be made with a minimum woodworking skill. This book was purchased by a grandpaw wanting to provide a unique gift for several children. The plans are designed to provide a economical choice or somewhat heirloom quality depending on wood choice. The toys are large enough to provide a durable toy for children to play with. The wheels can be purchased online @ places like Casey's wood products they are more realistic w/tire treds in the wheels. They aren't "TONKAS" but they can be hand made with love! JP.

Whilst this is a great book for boys toys (trains, planes, cars, boats) I could only find one or two that would appeal to a young girl - the best one being an animal train "greatest show on earth" pull along toy. Also, everything is in inches and for overseas buyers, metric dimensions would be handy. Still a great little woodworking book though.

although I have not made anything from this book yet looking through it looks lie some interesting models to make,

Rating, the book is typical of the genre of american books on toy making, rather better than most UK offerings.a ggod range of designs, of course measurements are in inches,

keeps you occuried

this is a great book i am going to enjoy making these classic toys for my grandchildren as i am sure they will love playing with them for years to come.

Good book with easy to make toys, well explained, delivered in good condition and arrived in good time. Very pleased with my purchase