Rodney Frost’s collection of playful mechanical contraptions will captivate anyone who operates them—and they’ll entice the creative woodworker too, because these whirligigs are as much fun to make as to maneuver. The secret to these movable marvels: propellers and other action-filled parts made from wood or metal. Full-size schematics and drawings, plus detailed written instructions, will guide woodwokers smoothly through building, carving, and assembling such enchanting projects as Grandad’s Night Out, a wild and wonderful gadget with a handsomely dressed figure that dances on a box; the Politically Incorrect Weather House (it contains a hygrometer to measure humidity); and Mr. Muscles & Little Ms. Threemore, two exercise buffs who work out!
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Quite impressive...a nice departure from woodworking titles that require expensive materials and measurements to 1/64". Recommended.” —Library Journal
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More About the Author
Rodney Frost has designed bottles and tableware, written for newspapers, made snowshoes, decorated popcorn wagons, built buggies and sleighs, been a seafront candymaker, and raised a family, in addition to writing several books on woodworking. He is a graduate of Brighton College of Art and has appeared on the TV programs "In the Workshop," "Canadian Gardening TV," and "Hands Over Time." He lives in Orillia, Ontario, where he sews clothes for himself, plays his euphonium, and wonders what's coming next.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By M. Acuff
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you liked "Whacky Toys, Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits" you'll love "Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood" because the two books are _identical_ page-for-page, except for Title and cover! Buy one, buy the other; don't buy both.
Otherwise good idea source material for making your own, with appropriately vague instruction, to encourage the whimsical spirit.
Otherwise good idea source material for making your own, with appropriately vague instruction, to encourage the whimsical spirit.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By J. B. Dunn
Format:Paperback
As others have said, this book is identical to his 2002, "Whacky Toys, Whirligigs, and Whatchamacallits", word for word. Either book is terrific, you just don't need to buy both.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By "Dustmaker"
Format:Paperback
I enjoy Rodney Frost's works, however when this arrived, I noticed it was identical to his "Whacky Toys, Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits" that I recently purchased from Amazon. Only the cover and title was different.
It was returned to Amazon.
It was returned to Amazon.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dads Night Out
I made Dad's Night Out from the book, what a success! I found the instructions very easy to follow all though the scales given in the drawings varied and consequently I had to... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Keith Seagrave
2.0 out of 5 stars
making mad toys & mechanical marvels in wood
The plans and directions are poorly explained. The drawings were not given in perspective. The pictures are not helpful in showing how to make the items. Read more
Published on May 16, 2011 by T.R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rodney Frost is always enjoyable reading
As always, just enough information to spur the imagination & allow you to create your own special toys! Read more
Published on May 3, 2009 by Michael J. Nowlan
2.0 out of 5 stars
scary
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. Read more
Published on August 31, 2008 by D. A. Murray
4.0 out of 5 stars
Making Mad Toys And Mechanical In Wood
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... Read more
I have made several of the mechanisms.
For old timers be aware trhis is just a reprint of his pevious book... Read more
Published on January 27, 2008 by Eugene J. West
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels
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.
Published on November 30, 2007 by S. Vrooman
3.0 out of 5 stars
Repeat
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.
Published on October 5, 2007 by Mike Yacullo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mad toys and mechanical marvels.
First of all if you already have Rodney Frost's book, "Whirligigs and Whatchamacallets" don't bother buying this book. This is just the revision title. Read more
Published on September 22, 2007 by Robert Schotland
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