Customer Reviews

Zany Wooden Toys That Whiz, Spin, Pop, and Fly

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

I bought this book on the idea that my son would be interested in building things together. Many times he wanted to build something and I was short on ideas. He looked through this book and is very excited. Most of the projects are fairly simple and can be built quickly (a plus if your child has a short attention span). Most can be made from scrap wood, glue, rubberbands and simple hand tools. The book is full color with pictures and step by step instructions.

My son is at a disadvantage as I can't build much. Yet, this book simply shows even someone like me how to build the creative toys Mr. Gilsdorf has devised.

I strongly recommend this great book!

This book puts the fun back into playing with your kids beyond the electronic world we're living in. Turn off the computer and the game machines and create your own fun with the help of this fabulous book. Its so easy to tell the kids to turn off the tv and go outside and play, especially if you JOIN them, with the details supplied and the laughs that will follow. I highly recommend this book for all parents and anyone who has the privilege to play with kids!

Zany Wooden Toys shows even a guy that cuts everything too short how he can make fun incredible toy projects without getting frustrated! The instructions are written clearly and with a lot of fun built-in. This is a great book that EVERY father AND mother should have; maybe even share with the kids if you can stop long enough! Sorry Santa, this book will give everybody a chance at being an Elf! Get it now and begin your Christmas projects right away!

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.

Perfect for that boy who likes to make things, no matter his age! :)

Saw this at a local home improvement store and picked it up for my nephew, but upon looking through it, decided I wanted to keep it and got him another one!

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book--good pictures and fun looking projects. I think I will do some of these with my son. Most seemed pretty easy to do.

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.

This is a very creative book with very specific, helpful photos and directions. The author has a lot of savvy.
The toys are clever and fairly simple to make and should please young people.