My Toys
The first thing that should be noted is that all of my toys are built from wood. There are no stains used; only a clear coat is applied to protect the finished product. Like an artist working with paint from his pallette, I use different species' of wood to create color and shape. As a result, no two toys are the same.
Wood species are available in every color you can think of. Choosing the right combination of wood for the project toy is essential. With some wood, the grain can be used to create allusion in the finished toy. When carved and sanded, used in the right place; grain can give the impression of depth, curve or maybe even something that isn't even there. Take for example the rumble seat in my 31 Cadillac. The grain running horizontally down the back created the look of pleated material.
In my toys I have used many different types of wood. No one wood is perfect. I do however like to use Western Red Cedar as this wood can be found in many different shades. It is also a very friendly wood to work with as it is a member of the softwood family. Most of the wood toy makers I have talked with prefer to use hardwoods. But as stated before, no one wood is perfect.
Some of the species that are used on a regular basis are as follows:
(WRC) Western Red Cedar. Black Walnut. Bass wood. Cherry. Padauk. Purple Heart. There are many more. Have a look at this web site Exotic Woods. To see examples of some of the woods and their characteristics.
Of course, some of this material can get a little pricey, so a good wood toy maker is always on the lookout for a deal. But don't let price be the only guide. Some toys just cry out for a certain type of wood.
The first thing that should be noted is that all of my toys are built from wood. There are no stains used; only a clear coat is applied to protect the finished product. Like an artist working with paint from his pallette, I use different species' of wood to create color and shape. As a result, no two toys are the same.
Wood species are available in every color you can think of. Choosing the right combination of wood for the project toy is essential. With some wood, the grain can be used to create allusion in the finished toy. When carved and sanded, used in the right place; grain can give the impression of depth, curve or maybe even something that isn't even there. Take for example the rumble seat in my 31 Cadillac. The grain running horizontally down the back created the look of pleated material.
In my toys I have used many different types of wood. No one wood is perfect. I do however like to use Western Red Cedar as this wood can be found in many different shades. It is also a very friendly wood to work with as it is a member of the softwood family. Most of the wood toy makers I have talked with prefer to use hardwoods. But as stated before, no one wood is perfect.
Some of the species that are used on a regular basis are as follows:
(WRC) Western Red Cedar. Black Walnut. Bass wood. Cherry. Padauk. Purple Heart. There are many more. Have a look at this web site Exotic Woods. To see examples of some of the woods and their characteristics.
Of course, some of this material can get a little pricey, so a good wood toy maker is always on the lookout for a deal. But don't let price be the only guide. Some toys just cry out for a certain type of wood.
