Making A Dragon In My To Makers Shop 980709962

 

Completed wooden toy dragon ready to finish sitting on my Shopsmith belt sander table.

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My Dragon Collection

I make this dragon to order. This dragon is my latest build. You can order one of these dragons in my Etsy Shop.

After collecting and cutting the wood to size, I attach the paper pattern to the wood and drill the required holes. I have learned that if I cut the body first and then drill the holes, and the bit catches, I can easily break the part.

The dragon's original design called for holes drilled through the neck, which was too weak. I now drill the holes 1/4 inch deep and pug them with contrasting wood that I cut and sand flush. Now, there are inlaid spots instead of holes, and the neck is much stronger.

After sanding the back so the pegs are flush, I cut out the body on my scroll saw.

This dragon's wings will be a different color from the legs. I am curious to know what kind of wood this is; it came from a box of cutoffs a friend gave me.

Cutting the legs for some 1/2" of dark hardwood is straightforward. This time, I tried some ipe wood. Using ipe turned out to be a mistake. Ipe is hard, oily, and tough on sawblades, but I didn't know I could not glue it with wood. I had to start over and make the legs from walnut. I glued pieces of 1/4-inch walnut together to make 1/2-inch wood. Laminating two pieces of wood together allowed me to use up some smaller pieces and made the legs stronger.

Before assembly, I sanded all of the parts three times. First, I sanded the flat surfaces with a belt sander. Next, I used a Mac Mop sander to remove the fuzzies and smooth the sharp corners. Finally, I used a sanding mop to finish sanding the pieces. Sometimes, a bit of touch-up sanding needs to be done by hand.

Now for the glue-up. The most challenging part of assembling a dragon is getting the parts aligned. If the legs are not aligned, the dragon will rock. I use an exact-size template and a straight piece of wood to align the parts, glue, and clamp them to one side, checking often to be sure nothing has moved. Once the glue has set, I glue it on the other side, but this time, I glue it aligned with the existing parts I previously glued on.

Once the glue is cured, the dragon is ready to finish.

The dragon's spots are hand-fitted, contrasting hardwood dowels cut to fit. Here, I am testing the fit.

 

 

After the plugs are glued and the glue has cured, I sand them flush on the back. A flat back is required to cut the body on my scrollsaw. The dowels on the front side will be sanded flush after removing the pattern.

I select the wood for the wings from my collection of cutoffs if there is a piece that will work. The wood does not have to be the perfect thickness. Close is good enough. If it is too thick, I will resaw it to get the proper thickness after cutting it on my scroll saw.

I cut the wings for the dragon on my scroll saw.

The wood selected for the dragon's legs is selected in the same manner as wood for the wings. For the legs, I had a piece of wood that was the correct thickness, so I cut them all from the same piece of wood.

For this dragon, I tried to use a piece of ipe for the wings. Ipe is a beautiful dark wood, but it is very hard and will rapidly dull saw blades. The scroll saw cut the wings, but these were thick, and when I tried to resaw them, I could not cut straight enough to get a usable piece from them. I ruined a bandsaw blade trying to resaw ipe.

Cutting a dragon leg on my scrollsaw.

I am using a paper template to ensure that the parts are all aligned correctly. Then, I clamp them until the glue has cured enough that the pieces will not move.

I use the first set of dragon wings, legs, and horns to align the second set. The challenge of the assembly is ensuring the legs are even so the dragon does not wobble.

 

Wooden Toy Pickup Truck Painted Bright Blue With Metallic Sapphire Blue Trim - 839752993

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My Play Pal Collection

My Toy Truck Collection

 

This handmade toy truck is crafted with care using traditional woodworking tools and painted with a translucent bright blue acrylic finish, allowing the natural wood grain to show through. The wheels are finished with non-marring amber shellac, and the axle hubs are painted with metallic sapphire blue acrylic paint.

 

Approximate Dimensions:

Length: 3-1/2 inches

Height: 1-3/8 inches

Width: 1-1/2 inches

Wheels: 3/4 inch diameter

 

The Play Pal Collection features a variety of toys in different colors and versions, so there's something for every child. Each piece is handmade using natural wood and wood products, making every item unique. That means that the item you receive may vary slightly from the one pictured, but that's the beauty of handmade items - each one is one-of-a-kind. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots are not defects but add character and charm to each piece. 

 

If you have any specific requests or concerns about the variations, please contact me before placing your order. I'm happy to accommodate your requests to ensure you get the perfect toy.

 

Check out the link to see what's currently available in the Play Pal Collection.

 

Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, USA

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

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My Dinosaur Collection

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 your request and ensure that your handmade wooden dinosaur pterodactyl figurine is everything you've ever dreamed of.

Thank you for considering my handmade toy dinosaurs for your collection. I hope they bring you and your loved ones as much joy as they do to me. Let's keep the magic of handmade craftsmanship alive!

 

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

 

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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 products, so each piece is unique and may vary in appearance from one item to the next. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece one-of-a-kind and add to the item's character and charm.

 

The item you receive may differ slightly from the item pictured in the listing photos. If you have any concerns about the variations or would like to request a specific look or size, please don't hesitate to contact me before placing your order, and I will do my best to accommodate your request.

 

So, if you're looking for a beautifully crafted and engaging puzzle toy for your little one or as a thoughtful gift, check out the Wooden Toddlers Puzzle Black Kitten and the other delightful puzzles in my Puzzle Pals Collection. I hope these toys bring as much joy to your little ones.

Wooden Toy Car Convertible Handmade and Finished With Clear Shellac From My Speedy Wheels Collection - 734042183

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My Speedy Wheels Toy Car Collection
All Of My Toy Cars

I am excited to introduce the latest addition to the Speedy Wheels Collection: the Wooden Toy Car Convertible. This toy car is meticulously handcrafted using traditional woodworking tools and techniques in my toymaker's shop.

Approximate Size:
Length: 5-1/2 inches
Width: 2-1/2 inches
Height: 2 inches

Each car is uniquely handmade and finished with multiple coats of clear shellac, which adds a beautiful sheen to the natural wood. The Speedy Wheels Collection features ten different vehicles. You can view the entire collection by following the link above.

Due to the nature of handmade products, no two items are exactly alike. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece one-of-a-kind, adding to its character and charm. These variations should be expected and are not considered defects.

If you have specific preferences regarding the appearance or size of your toy car, feel free to contact me before placing your order. I'm happy to accommodate your requests.

This wooden toy car convertible, handmade in my shop in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, is a testament to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. I take pride in creating unique, high-quality items, and I hope you enjoy adding this handcrafted toy to your collection. Thank you for supporting handmade products and for choosing my Speedy Wheels Collection.

 

Wooden Toy Car Sport Coupe Handmade And Finished From My Speedy Wheels Collection - 720345336

 

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My Speedy Wheels Collection

My Toy Car Collection

As a woodworker and toymaker based in Tallahassee, Florida, I take great pride in making unique and charming handmade wooden toys. One of my favorite creations from my Speedy Wheels Collection is the Wooden Toy Car Sport Coupe. This toy car is carefully crafted using traditional woodworking tools, and each piece is hand-finished with a durable two-tone clear and amber shellac.

Approximate Size:
Length: 5-1/2 inches
Width: 2-1/2 inches
Height: 2 inches

The Speedy Wheels Collection features ten distinct cars, each crafted and tested for quality and durability. When you purchase a toy from this collection, you can expect a one-of-a-kind piece made from natural wood and wood products. It's important to note that due to the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots, each toy may differ slightly in appearance, adding to its character and charm.

I take pride in the uniqueness of each toy and welcome the natural variations as part of the handmade process. If you have specific preferences or requests regarding your toy's look, color, or size, feel free to contact me before placing your order. I am committed to accommodating your requests to the best of my ability.

By supporting my handmade creations, you are adding a special and unique toy to your collection and supporting a small business based in the USA. Thank you for considering my Wooden Toy Car Sport Coupe and for appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship that go into each piece.

 

Toy Triceratops Dinosaur Tooden Cutout Handmade And Finished From My Itty Bitty Animal Collection - 1011166561

 

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My Itty Bitty Animal Collection 
My Dinosaur Collection

As the creator of My Itty Bitty Animal Collection, I take great pride in crafting each unique wooden toy with care and attention to detail. One of the standout pieces from my collection is the small wooden triceratops dinosaur toy, handcrafted from high-quality hardwood and finished by hand.

This delightful triceratops toy is a charming plaything for young children and uniquely appeals to adults. Its freestanding and stackable design and the custom blend of mineral oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax finish make it a truly unique addition to any toy collection.

Every item in My Itty Bitty Animal Collection is handmade using natural wood and wood products, ensuring that each piece is one-of-a-kind and may vary slightly in appearance. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots add to the character and charm of the toy, making it an exceptional and collectible item.

When you purchase multiple items from My Itty Bitty Animal Collection, rest assured that any potential shipping overcharge will be refunded. I am committed to ensuring you are only charged the shipping cost. Additionally, I am more than happy to accommodate any specific requests regarding the look or size of the toy, as customer satisfaction is my top priority.

Based in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, I pour my passion for craftsmanship and creativity into every piece, making My Itty Bitty Animal Collection a celebration of traditional American craftsmanship.

Whether you're looking for a unique gift for a young child, a charming addition to your home decor, or a collectible heirloom piece, the small wooden triceratops dinosaur toy from My Itty Bitty Animal Collection is sure to bring joy and delight to all who encounter it. Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship and welcoming my creations into your life.