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.