Shopsmith Forums

Every year the Plantation Woodworkers participates in the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Marine Corps League. For the past two years we have made twenty cradles to be gifted to needy kids at Christmas. I hope everyone enjoys. A group of the women in the community have a group called the Bear Club and they did the toy bear dolls in the cradle and my Wife sewed the blanket, mattress pads and the pillows..Hope you all enjoy!!
Bill V

This is one of a number of cradles made for the Toys for Tots program for 2009
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Winning cradle. This cradle was handpainted by the wife of one of our woodworkers and was raffled off to raise money to buy more materials for the Toys for Tots program
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Production run of cradles picture in my shop
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Hats Off to you and your group for doing this annual project. I know it brings joy to you all, knowing that some youngster somewhere is going to be real pleased receiving a hand made gift.

Beautiful work by both you and the artist (I wish I had some artistic talent) and equally beautiful that you are doing this for the children. Kudos!

That a Boy Bill, That is great thing you are doing for the kids, and those are beautiful cradles.
I started a few weeks ago sawing out the cars for the kids, like the ones I did last year. Last years count was 55 cars

Beautiful. My greatest respect for your groups work.

Beautiful!!! - - Speaking of the cradles, art work, sewing skills and most of all, the cooperation of many people in this very thoughtful endevor.

My latest project is making small cars and trucks (about 3.5 inches long and 1.25" wide). Originally, wanted to make 15 or 16 for my DIL for her pre-school class. Then got inspired to make a bunch for a local charity in Westlakes. Am still intending to get in touch with the Marine Corps coordinator for Toys for Tots.

Got the patterns, wheels and axles from "Toys and Joys". They have patterns ranging from these simple cars to simple trains and others ranging from a very realistic Hummer, fire trucks, trucks, tractors and even an Abrams tank.

I think the simple little toys are the best bet for youngsters, therefor going into production of these. So far production cost has been about $1.25 each. (That's not counting electricity or shop time) Haven't yet set a goal for numbers to be produced before Christmas, but here's the first 4 made followed by 29 from the first batch.

There are different colors of vehicles; the lightest ones were coated with water based spray polyurethane. Didn't do that again, as the additional sanding of raised grain was a pain. The best finish IMO was from dipping the car into a container of mineral oil/cutting block oil. Wiping off the excess oil was easy. The only hard part was wiping off the small space between the wheels and the body.

Wood for bodies is Poplar. The wheels and axles are maple.

Tools - bandsaw, strip sander, small drum and belt sanders. Also a 1/8" roundover bit and router table. (with the PowerPro will try the edge roundovers on the drill press.)

P.S. Made a larger 6" long car for the next door neighbors visiting 4 year old. He ran it down the sidewalk, all over their porch, beat it on the back wall. That test worked well! It's still in one piece, with no big dents nor cracked wheels.
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Looks like the auto industry is still alive and well on the west coast. Great looking fleet there.

Great job Bill and Chuck. It is wonderful that you both give your time and talents for the enjoyment of others.