A bunch of toys made about 40 years ago

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a collection of handmade wooden toys created approximately 40 years ago, shared by a participant who recently rediscovered them. The conversation explores the materials, construction techniques, and nostalgic memories associated with these toys.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of rediscovering toys made for their child, noting some signs of moisture damage.
  • Another participant draws a comparison between the toys and wooden racing car kits from their childhood, highlighting the materials used.
  • There is a discussion about the wheels and axles, with one participant inquiring whether they were turned on a lathe.
  • Participants express appreciation for the creativity and craftsmanship of the toys, noting the variety of wood textures and colors.
  • One participant confirms the use of purpleheart wood in the toys and mentions the aging process of another wood type, padauk.
  • Another participant reveals that the wheels and axles were purchased rather than handmade.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the aesthetic qualities and craftsmanship of the toys, but there are differing views on the construction methods used for the wheels and axles.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the materials and techniques used in toy making are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the specifics of the construction methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in woodworking, toy design, or nostalgic discussions about childhood toys may find this thread engaging.

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.


1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg
 
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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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