A bunch of toys made about 40 years ago

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around handmade wooden toys created nearly 40 years ago, specifically focusing on a batch recently rediscovered. The toys, which include wooden racing cars, were originally crafted using light balsa wood and feature wheels fastened to axles. Notably, some pieces exhibit a patina of mildew due to moisture exposure. The creator confirmed the use of purpleheart and padauk woods, highlighting their unique textures and aging properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of woodworking techniques, specifically turning wheels and axles on a lathe.
  • Familiarity with types of hardwoods, including purpleheart and padauk.
  • Understanding of toy design principles and materials used in crafting wooden toys.
  • Basic awareness of wood preservation methods to prevent moisture damage.
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  • Research advanced woodworking techniques for creating toy parts using a lathe.
  • Explore the properties and applications of purpleheart and padauk in woodworking.
  • Learn about effective wood preservation methods to protect against moisture and mildew.
  • Investigate historical toy design trends from the 1980s and their materials.
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Woodworkers, toy designers, and hobbyists interested in traditional crafting techniques and the properties of various hardwoods.

phinds
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My daughter and her 3 young'ns are here from Laos for the entire summer and she asked me to dig out some of the toys I made for her brother almost 40 years ago, so here is the first batch.

These were wrapped in butcher paper and put in a cardboard box about 30 years ago. Tiny bit of moisture seeped in. You can see the middle piece in the first pic has a slight patina of mildew or fungus or something.


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The cars remind me of wooden racing car kits we built in Cub Scouts over 60 years ago. I like the wood wheels which appear to be fastened to a rolling axle (?). Cool shapes and grains in the bodies, as well. The racing kit consisted of light balsa wood intended for oil paint and decals.
 
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Klystron said:
I like the wood wheels which appear to be fastened to a rolling axle (?).
Oh, yeah. These roll quite nicely.
 
phinds said:
Oh, yeah. These roll quite nicely.
Did you turn those wheels and axles in a lathe?
 
Very nice and creative toys! I like the different textures and colors of woods. Did you use any purple heart?
 
Lnewqban said:
Did you turn those wheels and axles in a lathe?
Nope, cheated and bought them from a toy parts store
 
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docnet said:
Very nice and creative toys! I like the different textures and colors of woods. Did you use any purple heart?
Yes, the top item in the last pic is purpleheart. The other red one is padauk (started out bright red but it darkens with age).
 
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