Marvelous Transforming Toys [Paperback]

Jim Makowicki (Author), Jim Mackowicki (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2000

With this book, woodworkers can build any number of unique toys in six different categories: boats, trucks, houses, planes, vehicles, or ships. Each system uses easily made interchangeable components.

An initial chapter discusses materials, tools, jigs for cutting small parts, and safety issues. The rest of the book contains scale drawings (with dimensions) and step-by-step instructions.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Many wooden toys are quaint reminders of bygone days which, unfortunately, frequently appeal more to adults than to the children for whom they are intended. Makowicki's "marvelous" toys should have a special draw; six basic "systems" (autos, trucks, boats, houses, planes, and ships) allow kids to create a huge variety of toys out of wooden parts. The instructions show numerous techniques for working safely with small parts and are supplemented by excellent drawings and photographs. The designs are attractive, and the quality compares to the popular and expensive Brio toys. This title is perfect for those on a budget, as it will allow them to use the many wood scraps they have accumulated over the years. A fine addition to every woodworking collection.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

It is almost impossible to count the number of variations on the six toy systems industrial designer Makowicki has created--unlike Making Heirloom Toys (1996),^B his first book, which featured 22 items to fashion. Why the lack of exact projects? Because he's designed components that can be assembled in different ways, leading to the word "transforming" (a slightly better adjective than "educational"). A boat can become a cabin cruiser; a Noah's Ark can become a tugboat or just plain putt-putt; while ships (more challenging and larger objects) can sail into major cruise liners. Four other systems--trucks, houses, planes, and vehicles--offer a similar wealth of choices, and build on solid construction, woodworking know-how, and down-to-earth detailed instructions. For devoted hobbyists (and grandparents) with dedicated workshops. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583812
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583812
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for mid-range woodworkers, December 12, 2001

By 

Iddgit (Columbus OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marvelous Transforming Toys (Paperback)

The author has come up with a great set of toy sets: boats, trucks, planes, and houses. Each set has interchangable parts which kids can put together to create their own masterpieces.

Author assumes ownership of basic tools, drillpress, table saw, bandsaw, and in some cases a lathe comes in handy. I have all but the lathe and am having a lot of fun (and challenges) working my way through the sets. Note that not all of the above tools are required, but since he helps you create jigs to recreate your work, the advantage is to people who have them.

Some complex angles, tapers and cuts, but with patience all can be made either by hand or with standard hand tools (tough), or with stationary tools. Probably the drill press (or a good way to bore exact repeatable holes) is the most critical in getting great results.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Plans, February 28, 2010

By 

Terry L. Herskind "Boogeyman" (Golden, MO) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Marvelous Transforming Toys (Paperback)

If you need weekend projects in your woodshop, this will keep you busy. Easy to read and use.