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Toys (post #169401)

rgfisher on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 22:41

Workshop

I am working on a toy dump truck from Jim Makowicki's book, "Making Heirloom Toys." I have the pieces cut and sanded, ready for gluing. I notice that Jim doesn't specify any gluing technique. Is there a preferred glue?; do you glue and clamp, section by section?; how do you keep things square?; any other tips?

Please advise.

Toy making (post #169401, reply #1 of 2)

by RalphBarker in reply to rgfisher [original] on Thu, 12/15/2011 - 09:15

Since you haven't received a response from an experienced toymaker, I'll toss in a couple of ideas.

For toys that aren't likely to be chewed, I would think Titebond III would suffice. You may, however, need to make your own miniature clamping accessories to keep things square. Triangular blocks left over from other projects might work, but be sure to "snip" the corners to give room for glue squeeze-out. For some things, masking tape or rubber bands can work to provide enough clamping pressure.

I also think that I'd try glueing the parts into sub-assemblies, where possible.

toys (post #169401, reply #2 of 2)

by cherryjohn in reply to rgfisher [original] on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 07:15

First off ill say that I have over 5 years experience making toys. My toys are marketed under the name of "Firewood Toys... saved from smoke". I source woods that are, quite literally, destioned to be burned. That little bit of promoton aside, the toys I make are made so that there is a profit in it for me so I dont generally get really complicated in the construction. Remember, its the imagination at work with a toy more so than the functionality. But your truck is going to someone close I imagine so time be damned. All my toys are laminated for a unique look. I use Titebond to do the laminations. You would have to be one hungry child to chew through 1/2" of hardwood to get to the glue an the amount of glue that you actually get in the pieces is minimal. I have used Elmers white glue with good results.... its just takes longer to set up. As far as what pieces to glue up first and keeping the whole thing square, Id have to see the project but for the most part this is a toy not a piece of machinery so the tolerences are quite loose. As long as the dump dumps and the wheels roll.....you are OK

Wicked Decent Woodworks

(oldest woodworking shop in NH)

Rochester NH

" If the women dont find you handsome, they should, at least, find you handy........"