Posts

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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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...

Choosing the Right Finish for Wooden Toys: Finishing Toys With Polyurethane A Toymaker's Perspective

Image
Handmade Wood Toy Monster Truck Made From Oak Poplar and Birch Hardwoods and Finished with Satin Polyurethane, Amber Shellac, and Metallic Saphire Blu Acrylic Paint Toy Monster Truck https://www.etsy.com/listing/496711514/   Toy Trucks https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34653279 Toy Cars https://www.etsy.com/shop/odinstoyfactory?section_id=34638962 As a toymaker, I understand that choosing the right finish for wooden toys is crucial to ensuring their longevity and beauty. Each finish has unique qualities and properties that can enhance the natural beauty of the wood while protecting against wear and tear. One finish that I often use is satin polyurethane. This finish is incredibly durable and repels water better than most other finishes. Moreover, it adds an eye-catching glow to the wood grain. However, it's important to note that I use the traditional solvent-based polyurethane, not the water-based version, which tends to be less durable and transparent. Polyuret...

Dry vs. Cure: Understanding the Difference in Coatings and Finishes

Image
  Toy Car Wheels Finished With Fully Cured Shellac and Ready To Be Mounted   My Shop Fron Page http://odinstoyfactory.etsy.com Dry and cure are two terms commonly used in the context of coatings and finishes. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two different processes. Dry refers to the point at which a coating or finish no longer feels tacky or sticky to the touch. When a finish is dry, the solvents or water in the coating have evaporated, leaving behind a film on the surface. However, just because a finish is dry does not necessarily mean it has cured. Cure refers to the process by which a coating or finish reaches its maximum hardness and durability. This process can take longer than simply drying, involving chemical reactions between the molecules in the coating or finish. During curing, the finish may change color or texture as it hardens and becomes more durable. Generally, the time it takes for a coating or finish to dry is much shorter than ...