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Showing posts from March, 2023

Adding to the Itty Bitty Animal Collection: Kangaroo Cutout Edition

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  Nine Experimental Kangaroo Cutouts for My Itty Bitty Animal Collection.   Itty Bitty Animal Collection https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=33383680 If you're a fan of woodworking or DIY crafts, you've probably experienced the frustration of testing new tools or parts on projects that end up being wasted due to errors. It's a necessary evil, but it's always a relief when a test piece turns out well enough to use in your final product. Recently, I was testing some new parts on my old RBI Hawk scroll saw and decided to use the opportunity to experiment with some kangaroo cutouts. As part of my Itty Bitty Animal Collection, I'm always looking for new animals to add to the lineup. After cutting out a few different kangaroo designs, I was pleased with the results. The one in the front center had a unique, whimsical shape that I liked. It could be more realistic, but it has a certain charm that would make it a popular addition to the collection. On the o...

Handmade Wood Toy Sitting Pig Cutout From My Itty Bitty Animal Collection, Unpainted and Ready to Paint 1351639363

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Handmade Wood Toy Sitting Pig Cutout From My Itty Bitty Animal Collection, Unpainted and Ready to Paint Itty Bitty Animal Collection https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=33383680 Are you looking for a unique and handmade gift for a child? Look no further than the wood toy Sitting Pig Cutout from the Itty Bitty Animal Collection. Crafted by hand in a Toymakers Shop using traditional woodworking tools and techniques, this unfinished wood toy is sanded smooth and ready to paint. Whether you prefer bright and bold colors or soft pastels, this freestanding pig toy can be painted to match any child's personality and preferences. Its versatility sets this wood toy apart from others on the market. It can be used for stacking, pretend play or decoration in a child's room. And because it is part of the Itty Bitty Animal Collection, it can be combined with other small animals for even more imaginative play. Each wooden toy is made from wood cutoffs left over from other woo...

Comparing the Cost of Printing Scroll Saw Patterns: Commercial Printing Services, Laser Printers, and Inkjet Printers

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Patterns are printed on paper and attached to wood or other material to make intricate cutouts such as this cross. Scroll sawing is a woodworking hobby that requires intricate patterns to be cut out of wood using a scroll saw. Many woodworkers create their patterns, but there are also thousands of patterns available online that can be printed and used for free or for a fee. The cost of printing these patterns can vary depending on the printing method used. In this blog post, we will compare the cost of printing scroll saw patterns using commercial printing services, laser printers, and inkjet printers. A laser printer is the best way to go. The initial expense is greater, but lasers are fast and much cheaper than any of the other options. Commercial Printing Services Commercial printing services, such as FedEx Office or Staples, offer high-quality printing services for a fee. They have high-quality printing equipment and offer a variety of paper options. The cost of printing a scroll s...

The Legacy of Patrick Spielman: Remembering a Woodworking Legend

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Patrick Spielman   Patrick Spielman was an American author and woodworker who left an indelible mark on the woodworking community. Known for his creative designs, insightful instructions, and expertise in woodworking, he inspired a generation of woodworkers through his books and articles. Early Life and Education Patrick Spielman was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on February 27, 1938. He grew up in the state and showed an early interest in woodworking. His passion for the craft led him to pursue a degree in Industrial Education at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, he worked as a high school woodworking teacher and later as a college instructor. Career as a Woodworker and Author Spielman's career as a woodworker took off in the 1970s when he began writing for woodworking magazines such as Woodsmith, Fine Woodworking, and Popular Woodworking. He wrote articles on various woodworking topics, from tool reviews to techniques for creating intricate designs. In the 1980s, Spie...

Norm Marshal cat T-Model

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Norm Marshall Model T car (Tin Lizzy) I made More Than Forty Years Ago   Handmade Wood Toys https://odinstoyfactory.etsy.com If you're looking for a unique and handmade gift for a child or a car enthusiast, look no further than a Norm Marshall T-Model wooden car. These beautiful and intricate cars are sure to delight anyone who receives one. Norm Marshall was an active woodworker who designed and built wooden toys from 1974 until he died in 1982. He wrote a book, The Great Book of Wooden Toys, which contains detailed instructions and step-by-step instructions on how to build and play with any wooden toy. The book is available in paperback and hardcover and includes helpful tips and tricks for making the perfect wooden toy. I made several of these cars more than forty years ago and have kept them all these years. I've also made many more to give as gifts or to sell. You'll need a few tools to make a Norm Marshall T-Model car. I used my Shopsmith with a bandsaw and belt sande...

Painting Handmade Wood Toys: Tips and Considerations for Using Acrylic Paint

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Handmade Wood Toy Cars Hot Rod Freaky Fords Being Painted With Acrylic Baby Blue Paint Hot Rods https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?search_query=Hot+Rod Toy Cars https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34638962 Toy Trucks https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34653279 Painting handmade wood toys can be a fun and creative way to add color and personality to your creations. While many types of paints exist, acrylic paints are often favored due to their versatility and ease of use. This blog post will discuss some tips and considerations when using acrylic paint to paint handmade wood toys, explicitly focusing on drying time vs. cure time. First, let's briefly review the difference between drying and cure times. Drying time refers to the amount of time it takes for the solvent in the paint (in the case of acrylics, water) to evaporate, leaving behind a dry paint film. Curing and drying are usually measured in hours or days and vary depending on facto...

The Truth About Labels on Finished Containers: Why They Can Lie and What You Can Do About It

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Handmade Wood Toy Cars and Trucks Finished With Shellac Acrylic Paint And Satin Polyurethane Toy Cars https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34638962 Toy Trucks https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34653279 If you're a woodworking enthusiast, you're likely familiar with tung oil. Tung oil is a popular finish for wooden objects because it provides a durable, water-resistant, and natural-looking finish. However, not all containers labeled "tung oil" contain tung oil. Some finishes labeled as oil-based may not have any oil in them at all. So why do labels on finished containers lie, and what can you do to ensure you get the desired product? One reason labels on finished containers can be misleading is due to the lack of regulation in the industry. Unlike food and drug products, which must meet strict labeling standards, there are no guidelines for labeling finishes. Manufacturers can include whatever information they choose on the label, eve...