5 comments about Zany Wooden Toys That Whiz, Spin, Pop, and Fly: 28 Top-Secret Projects You Can Build from the Toy Inventor's Workshop.

1. I bought this book to make some toys with/for my son in my pretty well equipped wood shop (table saw, band saw, thickness planar, drill press, you get the idea). From the book I started with the "Nickel Spinner" - really nice to have a bad saw and drill press for that one, though the plans call for 7/32" holes which are supposed to take a 1/4" dowel - that's not gonna happen. Then today I've been driving myself pretty nuts with the "10 cent Labyrinth Challenge". Started off resawing some scrap poplar down close to 1/8" thickness which I finished off with the thickness planar, then cut to size on the table saw. Should've cut the big square holes in the wood before trimming to final size because when you're trying to remove so much wood so close to the edge it's going to split on you. A scroll saw would have been REALLY good for this project and I didn't have one. Actually did try with the coping saw the author suggests - good luck with that. I started out trying to make two of these, had an extra piece of wood handy, but at the end of the day only one survived. I'm no Norm in the workshop, but I'm not a total klutz either and a heck of a lot more experienced than this book claims to require.
   
   I do actually like the book, but I think that actually trying these projects with just the tools the author shows in the book means a lot of shopping trips for very specific parts and a lot of pain/frustration. If you've got a fully equipped wood shop, then some of these projects are great.



2. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book--good pictures and fun looking projects. I think I will do some of these with my son. Most seemed pretty easy to do.



3. can't wait to make some of these with my kids. they each have picked out the item they want to make. we have plenty of scrap wood that they will be able to use and paint and they already know how to use most of the tools required for these projects. good section on woodworking basics, but would have liked better patterns. definately kids will need an adult to help. looks like fun family projects!



4. very good book easy to follow plans of very interesting toys the kids love em



5. I was excited to receive this book and imeadiately decided to try a simple project from it. The projects aren't hard and the schematics are easy to understand but be aware that some modification may be nessesary. Fortunately, I do have some experience with making toys so the changes were easy for me. The author does try to encourage the reader to improvise and make their own designs. I recommend this book but be aware of some modification by you. The toys are enjoyable and would be appreciated by most active kids.

4 comments about Action Whirligigs: 25 Easy-to-Do Projects (Woodworking Whirligigs).

1. for the amount of pieces to be used in some of these items, the instructions were fairly easy to understand



2. It doesn't have every design, but there are enough varied plans to give you a good start. The introductory section on building the propellers and general design considerations should be enough for a moderately experienced wood worker to make whatever they want.



3. This book came in very very helpful. My son had to make one of these for a project in school that was due the first of of school. You know I could not find a single book that resembled what I was looking for!! 3 counties and still no luck. Thank god I found this one, is very insightful, informative, and interesting. If you're wondering how to make these things, this book does make it easier.
   
   Was delivered on time, good condition.



4. Lots of detailed diagrams on how to make these cute whirlygigs.
   
   But be careful where you put yours... they will disappear from your front yard if you're not careful!!

5 comments about Making Heirloom Toys.

1. The author gives great step-by-step instructions for several toy projects. I've made 3 of them for my son. It's a well written book with good drawings (full sized templates where possible) for some cool toys. It's got airplanes, cars, trucks, trains, and a grasshopper with moving legs. Very polished designs, you can tell the author has made several of the projects a number of times, his advice is great. There is also a lot of variety of designs, which is nice, there are other toy building books that just cover one type (like only trains or only trucks). So... this is the best of all worlds.
   
   It also showed me a few techniques that I've applied to other woodworking projects, which is fantastic.
   
   Can't say enough good about it.



2. This book will give you plans to work with. Next you can put your personal touches on it.



3. Well written book!
   
   LOTS of tips (specific to the toys and general woodworking) including jigs for safe, clean cuts and final finishing
   
   Plans are very DETAILED, easy to follow and clear. I have made the dump truck and a couple grasshoppers and was very happy with the results. The kids love them and will cherish them for years.
   
   The author did a great job in putting this book together! Nice work.



4. This is a great book. The beginner might find it a little hard to follow at first. I used the plans as a starting guide and was amazed at the ease of following the instructions. I made many of the toys to send to Walter Reed Hospital for the children of the wounded vets from Iraq. I was told that they went over well.
   
   By far the best toy is the model "T" stakebed truck. I did follow the plans exactly. Made seven of them for my family. This was a great chore and the result was amazing. It is a difficult toy to build the first time but gets easier with each one. The scaling was hard at first but once you get a mental picture it is much simpler.
   
   Highly recommend for any "toymaker."



5. Brought for my father who is retired and lies to make wooden things for grandkids. He reported he loved the book and got some really good ideas.

4 comments about Great Book of Wooden Toys: More Than 50 Easy-to-Build Projects (American Woodworker).

1. I've been building toys from this book for over fifteen years and find the plans clear and easy to follow. The author has plans for cars, construction vehicles, airplanes, boats and trains. All the toys can be made with common pine found at one of the building supply houses. I have not had any trouble interpreting the drawings or instructions. I like that most of the lumber required can be glued up from stock sizes from the store.



2. Thay are very good books hope to see more the kids love them thank you



3. This book is OK. Not great, not horrible, but OK. There are a lot of projects in here (they say 50) however several of them are individual cars for a train set, which I would argue are pieces of a single project and not separate projects. The stuff looks nice in some cases but the aesthetics that two of the other notable authors come up with are a bit better, namely Jim Makowicki two books and Les Neufeld book on building toy trucks, which look a bit more like pieces of art.
   
   My main complaint is that this book kind of misses the mark by making things too complex in several cases, or the drawings/templates are too small to be useful, or it makes the toys so simple you don't really need this book to help you. I doubt I'll make any projects from this book.
   
   Like I said, try Makowicki or Neufeld, they have cooler projects, better step-by-step, and nicer drawings. Plus, the toys look way cooler.



4. The book is exactly what I ordered, the service is on par with the federal government, lots of form letters, no personal attention and they lied everytime they wrote to you. First the book was in stock and was ready for immediate shipping, then it had to be back ordered, then they had a problem with the supplier, yada yada yada. They shipped on the 12th as finally promised but it took over two weeks to travel 800 miles... did somebody walk it down? I will NEVER for any reason buy from these people again... did I mention their customer service sucks?, and frankly it is questionable whether I will ever buy from Amazon again, at least Ebay and others act sincere when they inquire about the purchase.

5 comments about Making Animated Whirligigs (Woodworking Whirligigs).

1. This is the greatest book ever if you are looking for direction to make a whirlygig. My husband made one and the instructions were clear and concise. There are illustrations and step by step instructions on how to make one.



2. Lots of detailed diagrams on how to make these cute whirlygigs.
   
   But be careful where you put yours... they will disappear from your front yard if you're not careful!!



3. I've had this book for several months now, and I have had a chance to look it over carefully.
   I'm a teacher by training, and I have to say that Mr Lunde could use a lesson or two about organization, the use of an outline, as well as good pictures.
   This book is very poorly organized - the author skips around as if he never had an outline or plan.
   The result is half-written instructions that rarely contain all the necessary info you'll need to create one of his projects.
   Mr. Lunde tends to waste your time with personal stories that aren't relevant to YOUR project at hand.
   His instructions are often confusing and contradictory - he refers to different projects often while confusing you as to the project at hand.
   His pictures are very poor as well - the hand drawn pictures often have absolutely no information about them - the actual photographs very rarely show you all of the piece - instead showing sections of the project you may or may not need to actually see.
   Photographs are expensive to add to books and it is clear that Lunde and his publisher cheaped out -
   and left you - the buyer - hanging in mid air with next to no visual reference.
   I'm sure Mr. Lunde is a great fellow -
   but this is what happens when you let a craftsman - who may or may not be able to write clearly -
   write a book.
   Wouldn't recommend this book if you need adequate info on making any kind of whirligig.



4. I have seen whirlygigs in movies, and occasionally the simple birds with spinning wings. I wanted to know what sort of materials were needed to make the more involved mechanical devices - such as the man sawing wood. This book did not disappoint. The author provides information on materials to use for reliable service in a device exposed to the elements. This is an excellent place to start.



5. I haven't actually made a whirligig yet, but I plan on it. Since I read this book I really believe I can. What I wanted to know, it told me, mainly things you can use to make the mechanical components of a whirligig. I've done woodworking and that part I knew I could do but putting it all together was another matter. This book definitely helped me see how it can be done.

3 comments about Wooden Puzzles: 31 Favorite Projects & Patterns (Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Book).

1. The book was more than I expected!! The only thing is that I wish it got here sooner.



2. This is a simple, instructional, easy to follow book on woodworking and crafts using the scroll saw I highly recomend this book.



3. If you're anything like me, somewhere in your house or apartment there's every copy of ScrollSaw magazine you've purchased. (OK, that only applies to those of you who are into scrollsawing, but you probably wouldn't be reading this review otherwise.) This book puts all the best puzzles from the magazine into one place, which sure beats pawing through that pile of old magazines to find the puzzle pattern you're sure you remembered seeing but don't remember which issue from which year. I had already made several of the puzzles in this book but was glad to have them all in the same place. There's something for everyone in this book, whatever their skill level or complexity of their shop. Many can be made with a cheaper scrollsaw and access to a photocopier.
   
   The only thing I would change in this book would be the binding. A spiral binding would make photocopying much easier.

5 comments about Tremendous Toy Trucks: With Step-by-Step Instructions and Plans for Building 12 Trucks.

1. I made 3 dump trucks and 3 flat bed trucks for my 6 nephews (3 pairs of brothers) this past Christmas. I'm rather new to woodworking, but these trucks turned out fantastic. One thing I liked about these plans is that three of the trucks shared quite a few common parts. The flat bed truck, the dump truck, and the tow truck all have the same cab, fenders, bumpers, exhaust pipes, and stairs. Their chassis are all very similar but slightly different dimensions. This was very helpful for making multiple trucks at the same time. I felt that the directions, pictures, and tips were superb.
   
   The book calls for buying wheels for the trucks. Since my 6 trucks required a total of 60 wheels, I went ahead and bought a wheel/hole cutter for the drill press. I found mine at Lee Valley, but I'm sure they sell them in Amazon. The radius is adjustable and leaves a pilot hole which worked fine for an axle hole. I made my wheels out of pine. I rounded the edges and inset a wheel well with a forstner bit. In the hole where the dowel axle was inserted, I plugged the ends with furniture buttons. It took a little extra time and didn't save too much money, but I thought it looked really nice.
   
   Oh yeah, the boys loved the trucks. Everyone was surprised that I could make something so nice. I have to give credit to a very well put together book.



2. I have only been woodworking for about a year, but I have already built about half the trucks in this book. They are not only fun to build, but not too difficult. Every kid I've shown them too has gone nuts over them! I can't recommend this book enough as a great learning tool for the entry level woodworker. It's a great confidence builder.



3. An easy to use, well documented series of innovative life-like wheeled toys that can all be made with a basic set of woodworking tools and limited woodworking equipment - Drill Press, Disc/Belt Sander and Bandsaw.
   Excellent advice on sourcing off-cuts of highly coloured timber to create the effect of tyres, headlights, fuel tanks etc.
   If you have a wood lathe many of the wheels and fuel tanks can be turned to add to the enjoyment of making these TOYS - not models.
   
   Highly recommended to all woodworkers as the ideas presented in this book can be applied to all fields of woodworking.
   
   Without question this book should be in every woodworker's library.
   Paul



4. I do most woodworking in the winter. This book has been extremely satisfying. I've made all of the projects & several of the semi-tractors & mmonster trucks. Would like to purchase more projects by this author. Great book! Thank you, Ed



5. I was surprised by both the quality of the book and the detailed guidance. I found the illustrations and the the designes to be of high quality in both details and attractiveness. I am happy with this purchase.

5 comments about Easy-to-Make Whirligigs (Woodworking Whirligigs).

1. This is by far the most informative book on whirligig that I've came across. Fundamentals on mechanics and designs of whirligig at beginning of the book is a must read for anyone who is new to making whirligigs. I also like the variety of the designs included in the book with layouts and modification suggestions. Overall, great book! We really enjoyed making these and giving them out as gifts (and also selling a few to supplement our project fund!).



2. The book has pictures and diagrams and suggestions. I got it to get someone interested in and fascinated by whirligigs. It hasn't yet ignited him, but we'll see.



3. I ordered this book due to the excellent reviews it had, but i was very disappointed. The book is very outdated and for a newbie, I thought the instructions weren't very clear.



4. This was bought as a birthday gift for my son-in-law who wants to build whirligigs. He seems quite pleased with the instruction book.



5. Anders S. Lunde is the man who resurrected the whirligig from the ashheap of historical American culture. In the 1970's, Lunde first investigated old whirligigs in New England, researched in the Library of Congress, and just plain hit the woodworking bench to figure out what makes a good whirligig work. Others have tried to copy him, but his whirligigs spin and turn and twist with a freedom and naturalness few can match. His political whirligig creations are snapped up immediately these days, because at 86 years old, there is no telling when he will stop. Simple, straightforward, and detailed, these designs and instructions will put you in the drivers seat for making any design you desire. It is the creative side of these wind machines that intrigues Lunde a lot. His other books continue his approach and offer many other interesting designs. Buy them all!

5 comments about Crafting Wood Logic Puzzles: 18 Three-dimensional Games for the Hands and Mind.

1. I found this book at my local library but had to eventually purchase it. Lots of variety in construction and difficulty. Some of the puzzles in this book can be made in a few hours, some take several evenings. Similarly, some take a few minutes to solve and some several days without instructions.
   
   Easy to follow instructions, good photos, an all-around fun book and great intro to wood logic puzzles.



2. This turned out to be a great gift for my father, he loves his scroll saw and the intricate details he can craft with it. He saws this book is great.



3. I've made three puzzles so far. Making them is a bit of a puzzle in itself, as you can imagine. All were done using a bandsaw. They all worked. I did'nt have to redue anything, so the plans were acurate. I made the twenty minute puzzle first and passed a few to freinds and family. I was surprized with the response. They could'nt leave them alone. So far, this book has been well worth it.



4. This book has proved to provide both interesting and in some cases challenging wood working exercises.
   
   The resulting puzzles are a big hit with friends and family - the hints for presents are mounting.
   
   Its also a great way to use up all those scraps of wood I've been hording but haven't been able to use.



5. This is a really great book. It has plans for a couple of sleds for the table saw and 18 puzzles. It has materials lists, easy to use instructions with solutions to all puzzles and lots of helpful tips. Highly Recommended.

5 comments about Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood.

1. As always, just enough information to spur the imagination & allow you to create your own special toys! Better than getting fully detailed drawings & making a copy is to create your own similar, yet dissimilar creations! I enjoy his books & their ability to let you daydream your own creations!



2. This author is somewhat neurotic. These projects rather qualify as kinetic art for a sculptor who might just as easily be a recluse hiding in the desert making cats disappear. The projects seem just a little disturbing the finish work is ... rustic. Much attention is given to making a frenetic movement in an old-worldesque style. One whirlygig has a allied machine gunner noisily blasting away at german keiser helmeted targets. It may work for some, but none of the projects would make me proud I made them, or proud to show them. Some would even make me worried that the neighbors thought that I aught to be institutionalized. There are a couple of schematics showing how he got arms to move from rotating shafts. But there are better sources for that.
   
   This book just feels creepy.



3. This is an excelent book for advanced toymakers.
   I have made several of the mechanisms.
   
   For old timers be aware trhis is just a reprint of his pevious book
   "Whacky Toys,.Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits."with a new cover.



4. Although this book has lots of intersting ideas it is difficult to follow the plans to complese these projects. Other than that is is a good resource.



5. Great book but as noted below, exactly the same as the other book still being sold here. 5 stars if you don't have the other book, one star if you do.