WOOD TOY NEWS. Master Toymaker Ken Goetz from Wisconsin uses precision tools and jigs to create wood toy masterpieces.

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WOOD TOY NEWS July 28, 2014 Monday Master Toymakers Special Edition Master Toymaker Ken Goetz from Wisconsin uses precision tools and jigs to create wood toy masterpieces.

Watching Ken work makes me realize that precision is achieved by using precision thinking and precision planning to make precision parts and assemblies.

Another factor that contributes to his high quality workmanship is the woods that he purchases for creating the toys.

In this photo he is cutting narrow strips using a Gripper accessory to run the wood through the blade.

1 WOOD TOY NEWS July 28, 2014 Monday Master Toymakers Special Edition Master Toymaker Ken Goetz from Wisconsin uses precision tools and jigs to create wood toy masterpieces. Like me, I am sure that you have wondered at times how precision-fit toys like Ken s are created. Watching Ken work makes me realize that precision is achieved by using precision thinking and precision planning to make precision parts and assemblies. Ken s shop is equipped with common power tools but if you look closely you will see that he has added precision accessories like the tools shown in the photo to the right. Another factor that contributes to his high quality workmanship is the woods that he purchases for creating the toys. Take a look in the background and you will see premium clear woods stacked against his storage shelving. As you can see, Ken is both precision and safety conscious. In this photo he is cutting narrow strips using a Gripper accessory to run the wood through the blade. This tool insures accuracy while keeping fingers and palms a safe distance from the blade. That s why he still has all of his fingers after decades of working with wood! Ken s grandson s smile speaks volumes! Ken believes in measuring twice and cutting once. Quick & Easy Farm Tractor with Animals Ken keeps his shop in perfect order by returning tools to their proper place and by cleaning as he works. Page 1 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Ken Goetz Small World Pony Stable Ken s Small World Pony Stable is a miniature work of art.

By keeping in mind that the wheels are a tiny 1 in diameter, you can get an idea of the scale of this beautifully crafted toy

A clear gloss finish is lightly applied to enhance the beauty of the wood without layering on too heavy a coating.

2 Ken Goetz Small World Pony Stable Ken s Small World Pony Stable is a miniature work of art. The truck and pony trailer are only 10 long. By keeping in mind that the wheels are a tiny 1 in diameter, you can get an idea of the scale of this beautifully crafted toy set. Every cut is perfect and all of the edges are skillfully rounded to a minimum and consistent radius. A clear gloss finish is lightly applied to enhance the beauty of the wood without layering on too heavy a coating. This delicate application of the clear coat adds to the precision look and charm of the toy. It preserves the handcrafted look while creating the magic so cherished with toys made by a craftsman s loving hands. Page 2 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Check out Ken s jig for drilling holes in the side of a dowel.

The blocks are 3/4 x 3/4 x 8. The baseboard is 3/4 x 3 x 12.

Step 2: The space between the retainer blocks is the same as the diameter of the dowel.

Step 3: Carefully measure and mark the location of the center of the hole to be drilled.

Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: The drilling mark should look something Use a pointed tool and give it

The cross shaped mark locates with a hammer to make a small hole in the compressing the two

3 Check out Ken s jig for drilling holes in the side of a dowel. Step 1: Make a baseboard and two retainer blocks from scrap material. The blocks are 3/4 x 3/4 x 8. The baseboard is 3/4 x 3 x 12. The blocks are nailed to the baseboard. Step 2: The space between the retainer blocks is the same as the diameter of the dowel. A snug fit is best for holding the dowel in place during the drilling operation. Step 3: Carefully measure and mark the location of the center of the hole to be drilled. It is best to align the end of the dowel with the ends of the retainer blocks for multiples. Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: The drilling mark should look something Use a pointed tool and give it a light tap In Step 3 you can see the clamp like this. The cross shaped mark locates with a hammer to make a small hole in the compressing the two side blocks to hold the the exact center of the hole to be drilled. center of the cross mark. The hole will act dowel securely in position. All that is left to as a guide for aligning the spinning drill bit. do is drill the hole to the depth required. Page 3 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Ken s attention to detail shines in his Emergency Fleet trucks.

Truck by Toymaker Ken Goetz Ken highlights some of his key steps for

Step 1: Step 2: The Emergency Fleet consists All of the pieces for each

vehicles that are made using the printed patterns from the PDF plan

The PDF s allow you to print as many inner components of floor, seats and

4 Ken s attention to detail shines in his Emergency Fleet trucks. ReallyWood S.W.A.T. Truck by Toymaker Ken Goetz Ken highlights some of his key steps for building his ReallyWood Emergency SWAT Truck. Step 1: Step 2: The Emergency Fleet consists All of the pieces for each truck are cut out Following the steps in the plan set, the of four vehicles that are made using the printed patterns from the PDF plan assembly begins to take shape with the from the same basic chassis. set. The PDF s allow you to print as many inner components of floor, seats and divider This speeds up production. copies of the plan as needed for the project. panel. Glue joints are set in each step. Page 4 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Step 3: The sides and doors are carefully test aligned with the Step 2 Assembly.

Step 4: The swinging rear door is attached by inserting pivot pins in the top and bottom of the door.

Step 5: The riot control gun is a simple assembly of one block and two dowels.

See Step 6 and you ll see the retainer collar.

com Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: The riot gun pivot pin has been inserted Several light coats of

5 Step 3: The sides and doors are carefully test aligned with the Step 2 Assembly. Glue is then applied to the parts and the parts are clamped in place until the glue dries. Step 4: The swinging rear door is attached by inserting pivot pins in the top and bottom of the door. The door is placed in position, then the retainer block is glued in place. Step 5: The riot control gun is a simple assembly of one block and two dowels. The gun pivots on a vertical dowel through the chassis. See Step 6 and you ll see the retainer collar. Pivot pin and retainer collar Ken can be contacted at: kengoetz@wi.rr.com Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: The riot gun pivot pin has been inserted Several light coats of polyurethane clear A final inspection is done to make sure all of through the chassis and the retainer collar are applied. The clear coats bring out the the wheels roll properly, the rear door swings and glued in place. The pivot pin rotates beauty of the wood and makes it easy to easily and the riot control gun rotates freely freely in the chassis held firm with the collar. clean the toy with a damp cloth. on the pivot pin. This is a beautiful toy. Page 5 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

His client is thrilled with the quality and the heart-warming design motifs.

6 Dave Szczepanek Master Toymaker Dave Szczepanek created this high quality custom version of the Sweetheart Loft play set for 18 dolls. His client is thrilled with the quality and the heart-warming design motifs. Dave built this strikingly beautiful Sweetheart Loft using this plan set from toymakingplans.com. He added custom details and redesigned the chair. Page 6 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Dave Szczepanek has an natural talent for salesmanship, heartwarming custom design and high quality workmanship.

com: Hello Cynthia, This is a commissioned work for a customer of mine.

I then inlayed a heart on the seat for the chairs.

I finished cutting the seat after the sides were assembled. The chair sides and seat were cut from Poplar wood.

7 Dave Szczepanek has an natural talent for salesmanship, heartwarming custom design and high quality workmanship. It is his secret formula for a happy and successful toymaking career. Dave wrote to ToymakingPlans.com: Hello Cynthia, This is a commissioned work for a customer of mine. I first made some modifications to the chairs for the loft using new ideas from ToymakingPlans.com. I then inlayed a heart on the seat for the chairs. I hope you enjoy these pictorials of the modified chairs for my customer s daughter. They went together faster than I thought. I finished cutting the seat after the sides were assembled. The chair sides and seat were cut from Poplar wood. The back cross members that are also seat backs were cut from Walnut wood. The double heart pieces were items that I purchased from a local Michael s craft store. I selected the thinner ones and glued them to the seat back. Master Toymaker Dave Szczepanek from Avon, Indiana Page 7 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

The desk itself has a poplar heart insert as you can see in the lighter color wood.

complete loft play set added shelf heart insert I added a narrow wood wall on the desk

8 And now for the loft itself. I made a some modifications to the desk and added a small shelf above the desk. The desk itself has a poplar heart insert as you can see in the lighter color wood. This is an separate piece that is glued in place. complete loft play set added shelf heart insert I added a narrow wood wall on the desk side. I believe it s an improvement to both the design and desk durability. This left side view shows the heart cut-out that I added above the desk. Page 8 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Walnut Miller Dowels were inserted into drilled holes in Poplar wood loft to finish the loft assembly. The dowels add beautiful detail and strength to the assembly.

coat hooks Miller Dowels A four heart clover arrangement was added on the back wall. I used Walnut wood plugs to create the stem accents.

) routed grooves The right side of the loft has a solid panel. I added three wood pin coat hooks to add some fun play value.

This creates the edge shadow effect. I made the top piece a little longer to accommodate the additional grooves. The photo above shows the loft top.

Coat hook pegs were purchased from Hobby Lobby. The photo to the right is looking into the shelf side of the loft.

9 Walnut Miller Dowels were inserted into drilled holes in Poplar wood loft to finish the loft assembly. The dowels add beautiful detail and strength to the assembly. Light colored Birch Miller Dowels were used in the Walnut top pieces for the same reason. See photo below. coat hooks Miller Dowels A four heart clover arrangement was added on the back wall. I used Walnut wood plugs to create the stem accents. You can see where I added the small shelf added above the desk. It was the corner that was cut off from the desk wood. (Original plans show a rounded desk.) routed grooves The right side of the loft has a solid panel. I added three wood pin coat hooks to add some fun play value. Improved assembly techniques were used for the sleep loft. A routed groove was made in the back side and front sides. The side panels are glued into those grooves. This creates the edge shadow effect. I made the top piece a little longer to accommodate the additional grooves. The photo above shows the loft top. I used Miller Dowels to anchor the top to the side walls. The Miller Dowels in the top piece are the only 1x dowels, all others were Mini-X dowels. Coat hook pegs were purchased from Hobby Lobby. The photo to the right is looking into the shelf side of the loft. I did not curve the front of the shelves as shown in the original plans but rounded the corners protruding from the short side wall. Dave can be contacted at: szczepanek1643@sbcglobal.net Thanks to Cynthia and John Lewman along with the toymakers who work with us sharing their tips on building toys. And Happy Toymaking to all the toymaking community. Page 9 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Top Gun Aircraft Carrier by Master Toymaker Stan Warmath plans were reduced 50%

10 Stan Warmath uses a mix of hardwoods to create this dramatic Top Gun Aircraft Carrier. His workmanship is truly superb. Top Gun Aircraft Carrier by Master Toymaker Stan Warmath plans were reduced 50% in size overall Stan can be contacted at: warmath@comcast.net Page 10 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Super Hauler Car Carrier by Master Toymaker Stan Warmath from Tallahassee, Florida Stan can be contacted at: warmath@comcast.

The plans seemed oversized to me so I reduced them by 50%. It may not be sturdy enough for a child s toy but I like it. Also attached are some of the other toys I have made.

11 Super Hauler Car Carrier by Master Toymaker Stan Warmath from Tallahassee, Florida Stan can be contacted at: Stan writes: Hi Cynthia, The first set of plans I purchased from you was for the Aircraft Carrier with the F-14 Helicopter and PT Boats. The plans seemed oversized to me so I reduced them by 50%. It may not be sturdy enough for a child s toy but I like it. Also attached are some of the other toys I have made. I just give them away unfinished so that a parent can paint them with the child, a lazy way of saying I don t enjoy the finish work but so far the parents really enjoy it. I always make a prototype out of 2x4 and 2x6 pine and enjoy adding modifications. Page 11 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Master Toymaker Bill Durbin Bill Durbin s grandson

com Bill writes: Hi Cynthia, Thank you for your

I have made the Vintage 1955 Train, the Big Dump

12 Master Toymaker Bill Durbin Bill Durbin s grandson loves his toys just as much as Bill loves making them for him. Bill can be contacted at: williamdurbin@msn.com Bill writes: Hi Cynthia, Thank you for your prompt reply! I have made the Vintage 1955 Train, the Big Dump Truck and some other plan sets and have used your beeswax finish. My grandson loves the toys and I love making them for him. Win win! Regards, Bill Durbin from Dallas, Texas. Page 12 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

13 Master Toymaker Bill Durban Bill can be contacted at: Page 13 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Master Toymaker Pat Smith Pat writes: Hi Cynthia,

I was surprised in how easy they were to build!

with a hole saw,and the hub cut with a forstner

14 Master Toymaker Pat Smith Pat writes: Hi Cynthia, Thanks for a great set of plans. I was surprised in how easy they were to build! I stacked all the parts all glued up and cut them out on my band saw - great timesaver! Now I have all kids big and small wondering what s next out of the Toy Shop! The wheels are made out of a 2x4 scrap and cut with a hole saw,and the hub cut with a forstner bit. Again, thanks, Pat Smith from Hemet, California. Page 14 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

Master Toymaker Pat Smith Master Toymaker Pat

treads on the wheels using my table saw using a

The wood I used was all recycled fence wood that I

Some of the grain in the cedar fence boards was

That s why the buckets are just clear coated.

15 Master Toymaker Pat Smith Master Toymaker Pat Smith I took a few quick shots of some of the tractors I made from your plans. I make my own wheels and figured out a way to cut treads on the wheels using my table saw using a simple jig. The wood I used was all recycled fence wood that I re-dimensioned thru my planer. Some of the grain in the cedar fence boards was too neat to cover with paint. That s why the buckets are just clear coated. - Pat Master Toymaker Pat Smith Master Toymaker Pat Smith Pat can be contacted at: oldob1@roadrunner.com Page 15 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

She creates a multitude of original puzzle designs in addition to an outpouring of toys of all shapes and sizes.

16 Jeannette loves the Mini Constructor Play Set and has had good luck selling them as individual vehicles at Crafts Shows in Southern California. Jeannette is known as the Puzzle Lady and lives in Canoga Park, California. She creates a multitude of original puzzle designs in addition to an outpouring of toys of all shapes and sizes. For a real toymaker s treat visit her website at: Master Toymaker Jeannette Aragon Jeannette can be contacted at: puzzled1@live.com Page 16 of 16 July 28, 2014 Monday

WOOD TOY NEWS. Master Toymaker Ken Martin is Lead Idea Man for the Martin Motors Car Carrier. May 4, 2014 Sunday. toymakingplans.

WOOD TOY NEWS. Master Toymaker Ken Martin is Lead Idea Man for the Martin Motors Car Carrier. May 4, 2014 Sunday. toymakingplans. WOOD TOY NEWS A Wood Toy News Special Edition May 4, 2014 Sunday toymakingplans.com Master Toymaker Ken Martin is Lead Idea Man for the Martin Motors Car Carrier. This fun new toy plan set would ve never