Zany Wooden Toys that Whiz, Spin, Pop, and Fly: 28 Projects You Can Build From The Toy Inventor's Workshop (Fox Chapel Publishing) Family-Friendly Projects that Kids and Parents Can Make Together

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.

Great ideas in this book! Projects range from easy to challenging, but primarily easy. They all look like they do something fun so kids can make their own games. Reading the book was a lot of fun because it explains the invention process and mistakes made along the way. This was something missing from the books I read as a kid so I was left with the misconception that inventors always got it right the first time. I like the idea of reading a book, making a toy, decorating it, and then making up games to play. A lot of different ways to play with a kid. I got this book to give as a Christmas present and decided to make a few kits to help the kids get started. It didn't take long. I'm excited to see how they go over.

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.

one of my favorite books on toy ideas. the book isnt ful of advice on tools it does have some but I wanted a book on ideas not how to use the tools. still there is enough knowledge to show someone new to the craft the basics on how to use the tools, most toy building books use over half the book on showing the use of tools I know the tools, I buy the books for there ideas. this was a great one. one thing I have noticed is that they show the wrong way to use a coping saw, put the handle under the work and watch where the blade goes on top. using an up and down motion to move the blade. can find a lot on the internet on the tools, the book was great.

These projects are to be done together with your child and not by the child alone on thier own. With that said these are the perfect projects to do with your child. The instruction are pictured and numbered so very little room for error. There is a checklist for supplies before you start so no confusion on that part. One of the adult scout leaders ( a capenter ) God bless him made one hundred of the cross bow complete with tissue ammo. The kids piece them together and loved them. Also can shoot marshmellows pretty far too. Get for a den leader or any parent trying to show thier kid thier way around some basic woodworking and how to handle screwdriver, hacksaws and hammers.

My 10 year old son has very little experience with wood working, but lots of imagination and desire to build. I bought this book as a prize. He has studied it for some time, and came up from his workshop the other day with a working toy! He was so excited and very pleased when Grandpa was impressed. He commented that the pictures and explanations were very detailed and easy to understand. Will definitely consider the author's second book when we have exhausted this one.

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!

Nice colorful pictures but, it's not what I expected

Love this book and the designs can be improved to offer a wide range of toys. The big kid in me doesn't want to give them away once made.

I am interested in making wooden toys and this book looked as if it would help me in my hobby.....and it does!

Amusing, well thought out and inspiring items to inspire young woodworkers ! Clear layout with masses of drawings and all dimensions included.

not as good as l hoped

What can I say, my book was a few weeks late no fault of the supplier but international postage, BUT it was worth the wait, beautifully illustrated, and well presented, the little projects are just what I wanted for my grandkids to work on with me in my workshop. In a world where plastic toys rule it is great to be able to make fun things with children and teach them so many principles and to use their hands. Thank you :)