Marvelous Transforming Toys: With complete instructions and plans (Paperback)

by Jim Makowicki (Author) "Woodworking on a toy-size scale poses a particular challenge..." (more)
Key Phrases: lug cavities, stacking dowels, generic hull, Side View, End View, Cherry Cab (more...)

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taunton; illustrated edition edition (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 (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #445,422 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 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

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.