Toymakers Shop - Glueing Legs On Dragons

Handmade Wood Dragon Finished Version
Handmade Wood Dragon Finished Version


Dragons
https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?search_query=dragons

The dragons appear easy to build on the surface. However, getting all the parts aligned and glued into place is a challenge. I struggled with this for a while, trying to find a reliable way to mount the legs and get them all to align so the dragon sits flat and does not rock. I contacted the pattern designer for help and soon discovered that he does not make test builds on his designs. I was on my own.

 

Handmade Wood Dragon Parts Before Sanding
Handmade Wood Dragon Parts Before Sanding
 

The first thing I do is cut all the parts and sand everything smooth, repairing any minor imperfections I find. I do all the sanding before assembly. It would be challenging to sand a dragon after assembly.

 

Handmade Wood Dragon Gluing On The First Leg
Handmade Wood Dragon Gluing On The First Leg

 First, I glue one leg in place, being very careful to get it aligned as near to perfect as I can. Positioning this leg is critical because everything will index off this leg. After I apply the glue and position the leg, I let it sit for five minutes before clamping to prevent the leg from moving when the clamp is applied. Five minutes is slightly less than the working time of the glue I am using. At this time, the glue is very tacky, but you can still move the part. After five minutes, I add the clamps and leave them in place for at least fifteen minutes. After fifteen minutes, the glue has set enough not to require the clamps. These times must be adjusted for the glue you use.

 

Handmade Wood Dragon Clamping The last Two Legs
Handmade Wood Dragon Clamping The last Two Legs
 

Once the first leg is in place, I add another leg on the same side after first clamping the dragon to a flat surface. The same gluing process is repeated, but I clamp the foot of the second leg to the same flat surface. Once the glue has set, I have two legs that have their feet perfectly aligned. The process gets much faster now since I can add as many parts as I can fit clamps on using the same method for attaching the legs. Note that the two orange clamps in the photo above are clamping the feet of the first two dragon legs to the board. 


Handmade Wood Dragon Testing The Legs To See If They Are Even
Handmade Wood Dragon Testing The Legs To See If They Are Even

After the clamps are removed, I test the dragon by placing it on a flat surface. Here I am using the table of my Shopsmith. At this point, any slight perfections are easily corrected with a bit of sanding. However, to this day, I have never had to make any corrections using this method.

My animals are all handmade, and no two parts are the same. This method works with every I have used it on. Even those that stand on two legs.

Wings horns and ears are not critical. I stick them in the place where it looks good. I do, however, glue and camp one at a time if it is tricky to keep them in place.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Handmade Wooden Dinosaur Pterodactyl Figurine Handmade and Finished From My Buddies Dinos Collection - 655979018

Image
Buy This Dinosaur Today My Buddies Dinosaur Collection All My Dinosaurs Welcome to my shop, where I handcrafted this unique Pterodactyl dinosaur figurine from carefully selected hardwoods using traditional woodworking tools. Approximate Dimensions: Length: 6-5/8 inches Height: 4 inches I use a custom blend of mineral oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax to give each figurine a smooth, durable, renewable, and natural finish that enhances the beauty of the wood. Because working with natural wood is unique, every dinosaur I create is one-of-a-kind. The item you receive may vary slightly from the one pictured in the photos, but that's the beauty of it. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots add to the character and charm of each piece, making it truly special. I take great pride in creating these handmade treasures in Tallahassee, Florida, USA. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have a specific wood preference or want a custom order. I'll do my best to accommodate yo...
Read more

Wooden Toy Lorry Truck My First Version Made For My Grandson - 705872553

Image
  Handmade Wooden Toy Lorry Truck From The Quick N Easy 5 Truck Fleet - Left Side Front View Buy This Truck Now  My Easy 5 Truck Fleet My Toy Truck Collection I created a fleet of toy trucks for my grandson almost a year ago. Unfortunately, he started playing with them before I had the chance to take photos. All the parts for the truck, except for the wheels, can be made from wood purchased at a big box store. I used a scroll saw to cut the body from a 2x4 section, but a piece of 2x6 would be easier. I had to reduce the body size to avoid the rounded corners on the 2x4. I also had to adjust the sides of the bed to clear the wheels. The toy truck is not detailed, but the simple design makes it easier to create than more complex toys. Plus, there are fewer bits and pieces to make, which reduces the likelihood of breakage. I've considered adding fenders to the design. I used pine to make the toy truck because it's lighter than other options, and I prefer to keep the weight o...
Read more

Wooden Toddlers Puzzle Black Kitten - A Simple Two Piece Tray Puzzle Handmade and Painted From My Puzzle Pals Collection - 645535259

Image
  Buy This Puzzle Today My Puzzle Pal Collection My Puzzle Collection   This adorable wooden puzzle features a playful black kitten crafted from select-grade hardwood. Each piece is hand-painted with colorful acrylic paint and finished with a coat of shellac for durability.   Approximate Size: Height: 3.5 inches Width: 3.5 inches Thickness: 0.75 inch   I take pride in creating high-quality and engaging toys for little ones, and this cat puzzle is no exception. Its four-piece tray design makes it easy to assemble and store, and the pieces are painted on only one side to assist with matching. Perfect for little ones just starting to explore the world of puzzles, this cat puzzle can also be used as a freestanding stacking toy, providing fun and developmental benefits.   At my workshop in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, I carefully assemble and test each toy to ensure the highest quality. It's important to note that all my items are handmade using natural wood and wood p...
Read more