Odin's Toy Factory

  My Dragon Collection    Each time I create a dragon, I adjust my process. The original design required holes to be drilled completely through the neck and tail, but I found this reduced the dragon's strength and increased the chance of breakage. Initially, I tried drilling shallow holes and filling them with plugs, but that solution was unsatisfactory. Eventually, I decided to drill all the way through and use hardwood dowels, which I glued into place, filling the holes. I then cut and sand the dowels flush with the surface. This method not only enhances the dragon's strength but also looks better than having drilled holes.

  My Dragon Collection The clamps I use are Pitsburg brand from Harbor Freight, and they cost me $0.99 each. They work well for small items that don’t require a lot of clamping pressure, and I have quite a few of them. Before using new clamps, I like to apply Johnson's Paste Wax to prevent rust and make it easier to remove dried glue. However, when I waxed the very first of these clamps I purchased, I found that the wax caused it to slip. After cleaning off the wax with mineral spirits, the clamps worked well again. Now, if I encounter a clamp that is slipping, I simply clean it, and it usually works perfectly afterward.

 My Dragon Collection Attaching the final pair of legs to my dragon project was a delicate task. Precision is crucial to ensure the legs sit evenly; if not, the dragon will wobble. I used a paper template for the first pair of legs and one wing, guaranteeing their correct placement. Once the glue cured, I carefully aligned the other leg pair and wing to match. By clamping the first legs to a flat surface, I make adjustments until everything was perfectly even. It's all about attention to detail, and the satisfaction of seeing it come together is unmatched.

 My Dragon Collection When it comes to glue-ups, I have a clear favorite: f-clamps. These versatile tools offer a level of control that spring clamps simply can’t match. One of the biggest advantages of f-clamps is their adjustable pressure, which allows me to apply just the right amount for the materials I'm working with. This flexibility helps prevent damage to delicate pieces while ensuring a strong bond. Whether I'm working with wood or other materials, f-clamps make the glue-up process more manageable and efficient, giving me confidence in my projects.

My Dragon Collection To create strong dragon legs, I glue together pieces of wood, allowing me to use thinner materials I have on hand. When using a single thickness of wood, it's important that the grain runs along the length of the legs. If the grain runs in the wrong direction, the legs can weaken and are more likely to break. Constructing the legs with the grain aligned lengthwise can compromise the strength of the feet, making them more susceptible to damage. Instead, using two layers of wood with different grain patterns significantly helps prevent breakage. For even greater durability, incorporating a third layer of wood with cross-grain orientation in the center makes the legs nearly unbreakable.  

  My Dragon Collection When crafting dragons, I've learned that having strong legs is essential to prevent breakage. To achieve this, I’ve found that gluing multiple layers of wood significantly strengthens the legs. However, the real strength comes from laminating layers of wood with different grain patterns. This technique greatly enhances durability. By combining these methods, my dragon creations will be much stronger and will last for many years.

Buy Now   This is a handcrafted wooden toy tow truck, freshly completed and ready for shipping. This piece is the most popular of my five-truck fleet, notable for its unique ability to tow the other trucks in the set. The truck's body is hand-painted with several coats of purple acrylic paint. The wheels, finished with amber shellac, add a touch of classic elegance to its modern design.   Material: High-quality wood Finish: Hand-painted with purple acrylic paint; wheels finished with amber shellac Functionality: Capable of towing other trucks in the fleet Customization: Available in various colors or unfinished for your personal touch. Custom orders are welcome. Add this unique, handcrafted tow truck to your collection or gift it to inspire creativity and play. Perfect for collectors, children, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of handmade toys. Order now to bring this purple marvel into your world.  

My Five Truck Fleet In my workshop, I'm crafting a wooden toy tow truck. The focus today is on the axles, which are three wooden dowels. They are held by spring clamps on a custom pegboard, allowing both ends to be painted simultaneously. The tips are painted purple to match the truck's body. In the background, there are various wooden toys and ornaments in progress. The next steps include assembling the truck's body, attaching the wheels, and adding details like a tow hook or driver figure. Follow along for updates on this project.

    My Five Truck Fleet When finishing toy wheels, I use Amber Shellac. It provides a beautiful, warm appearance and has practical benefits that make it ideal for kids' toys. One of the main reasons I favor shellac is that it doesn't mar the surfaces where the wheels roll. Unlike flat black paint, which can sometimes rub off and leave those pesky black marks behind, shellac stays put. The wheels I work with are typically made from end grain, which tends to soak up a considerable amount of shellac. There have been times when the shellac has soaked through the wheel. Shellac sprays beautifully straight from the can, but I prefer to apply it with a brush on the wheels. This method is less messy and gives me more control over the application. One common issue with dipping and spraying is that shellac can inadvertently get into the center holes of the wheels. Shellac inside the axle hole is crucial, as it can lead to glue failure when it comes time to attach the wheels to wooden ax...

  My Five truck Fleet Painting can be a rewarding yet meticulous part of making a toy, especially when striving for a flawless finish. Applying the first coat of acrylic paint tends to raise the grain of the surface. To achieve a smooth finish, it’s essential to let the paint cure completely, followed by sanding to remove any imperfections before applying additional coats. The process is repeated until the desired finish is obtained. The perfect finish may take several days, as it largely depends on the color of the paint and weather conditions. Some colors, like yellow, require a white undercoat to shine their brightest. Without this base layer, the outcome may lack the vividness you envisioned. Every color and type of paint is different.

  My Itty Bitty Animal Collection I made this wooden bunny rabbit in my Toymakers Shop using traditional woodworking tools. The item is crafted from unfinished wood, sanded, and prepared for painting if you desire. The bunny is free-standing and makes a great stacking toy combined with other toys in my Itty Bitty Animal Collection. Custom orders offer a unique opportunity to tailor products to your preferences and requirements. Whether you're looking for a particular color, size, or quantity, custom orders allow you to express your individuality and meet your exact needs. This personalized approach enhances your satisfaction and ensures that you receive a product that perfectly fits your vision. By choosing custom orders, you embrace creativity and uniqueness, resulting in a one-of-a-kind item that stands out. I am here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your custom order exceeds your expectations every step of the way. I can make animal cutouts in many sizes and quant...

  My Five Truck Fleet The handmade wooden toy tow truck body has been carefully sanded and is now ready for painting. I took my time to ensure that the body feels smooth to the touch and eliminated all sharp corners. The opening for the hook has been reshaped to accommodate the tow hook that will be added later.

My Five Truck Fleet I am making a wooden toy tow truck for a custom order. I cut the truck body with a scroll saw, and I precisely drilled the axle holes using a drill press. To remove the pattern, I used mineral spirits to dissolve the spray adhesive that I had applied to attach the pattern to the wood. I flood the paper pattern with mineral spirits and, after waiting a short time, I can easily lift it off, leaving only a small amount of adhesive residue. This softened adhesive can be easily wiped away with a paper towel. Once I have removed the pattern, I let the body dry overnight before sanding.  

My Five Truck Fleet I am creating a handmade wooden toy tow truck for a custom order. The photo shows the truck body, freshly cut with my scroll saw and drilled for the axles and tow hook. The window still needs to be cut. Since the window is an inside cut, a scroll saw is uniquely suited for this task. While I could drill a round window, it would completely change the toy's character. One of the most challenging aspects of this project is creating the space for the hook. To achieve this, I need to use flat, square pieces of wood that are well-sanded for a smooth finish. A precise layout is essential to ensure that the hook is accurately positioned and perfectly centered on the truck's body. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the toy's functionality and ensures it has an aesthetically pleasing look once completed.

   My Itty Bitty Animal Collection Introducing the handmade wooden bunny rabbit cutout from my Itty Bitty Animal Collection. This freestanding bunny is crafted from high-quality, unfinished wood, making it perfect for various uses. It works wonderfully for kids' crafts, Easter baskets, stocking stuffers, party favors, or as minimalist decorations in your home or nursery. Additionally, other sizes and quantities are available through custom orders. This wooden bunny, proudly made in the USA, was crafted in my toymaker's shop using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. It is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to plastic toys. Suitable for both boys and girls, it makes an excellent addition to any preschool classroom or play area.