Toys For Kids 2008

Do you have any simple plans that have proven to be successful that you could share? I am trying to put together a group at church to get involved in this and I’m running out of time.

-- NorthWoodsMan

Our bath tub boats were by far the least expensive and easiest to make. Hulls were about 8” bow to stern made of reasonably clear 2×4 (knots make the boat float lop-sided in the bath tub). Experiment first for what design floats upright and trims properly in the water. Then make marking templates from masonite or thin plywood.
Fore deck sits about 1/2” off the bow and is 1×3, flat across the back with a 2-1/2 front radius.
Pilothouse sits atop the foredeck, its aft centered and flush with the aft edge of the foredeck.
Stack is 3/4” dowel fitted midship into the hull. The stack is raked about 20 degrees aft (use a Forstner bit and a drilling jig to drill the receiving hole in the deck). Cut the top and bottom of the stack so that when it’s glued in place, the top end is horizontal.
The sealing and paint jobs on the tub boats is just as critical as building them so they trim (float) properly. I usually seal with a good non-toxic sealant, then apply non-toxic enamel paint. Use blue painter’s tape to make waterline markings perfect. At Gilchrist-Bahns, we found that kids love bright colors, not wood grain or stains. Of course, Joe, Gillie and I would always keep a couple prototypes for ourselves each year and these were seldom if ever painted.
At Gilchrist-Bahns, we never used screws or nails. Only wood dowels and/or glue With the tub boats, the pilothouse and the stack were the smallest pieces, but we’d always label the packaging for children 3+ and indicate small parts/possible choking hazard for small children. Of the hundreds of boats we distributed, never had a complaint about them falling apart, though.
One of the big problems we had in the later years were toy collectors. They somehow would get hold of our toys, especially the trains, and sell them at craft shows and antique shows. We had hand-signed them, the three of us—too much ego, I suppose. The trains ended up trading for upwards of $400! We got angry and stopped signing our toys. A couple years later, Gillie’s health began to fail and Joe and I decided to call it quits.

-- Sir Robert

Great idea Sir Robert. We can also donate hand made gifts for charity raffles.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Grump,
Charity raffles are another terrific idea. I would recommend a range of more complex toys for such an event, since your goal is to generate funds for the charity. One-of-a-kind sweet toys (signed by the craftsman) that are made to your high standards would command some serious attention.

This concept is somewhat different than my Toys For Kids idea, because underprivileged children are not usually the immediate benefactors of toys sold at charity raffles. So please consider making 30, 40, 50 or more inexpensive toys that go directly to these kids. This should also fire you up for some serious sweet toy building.

By the way, Grump, this Holiday Season, I’m giving you the exact duplicate of what I got you last year. Don’t know what you’re going to do with two of them, but hope you have the room.

-- Sir Robert

Our own Karson is involved in a big way with a cause like this, and has been for a number of years. He may be willing to supply sketches to us so that we may help in this worthy cause.

I for one would be happy to do as many projects as time will permit, although it would seem I am no longer riding the time elephant, it is somehow now riding me.

Karson; If you can pass along some of you easier project plans, or even parts to be joined to pieces you have underway, please let me / us know.

For those of you that don’t know Karson, he is one of the finest gentlemen you could ever hope to meet. He is so unconcerned about himself due, to his commitment to others.

Come to think of it, with the proper red attire, he could be Santa himself! lol

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Thanks, Lee.

Karson, pleased to meet you. I’m sewing you a Santa suit as I write.

-- Sir Robert

good idea I am too far away to be pf practical use and my health only allows me limited time in the shop as it is but good luck Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Scottie,
Join the club. I have young onset Parkinson’s disease and it’s not helped my woodworking. However, I encourage you to keep at it. The more you exercise your mind and muscles, the more you fight that awful disease. Here’s hoping for a cure in our lifetime.

-- Sir Robert

Great idea!

Anybody have pics of well received items?

-- - Real men read directions

Thanks sir Robert I have therefore what you have it seems so best of luck to you.I have no intention of stting watching t v til I die don’t worry old Al is made of sterner things.I get to my workshops when I can most days for a little while anyway .I am currently making a computer table from an idea I got here for my eldest son also Alistair so I will post pics soon as it’s nearly done.God bless My Friend and take good care of your self you will be in my prayers thanks for your concern goodness you Americans are such beautiful people I really feel like you are my brothers and sisters Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease