Wood Toys

Rodney Frost’s collection of playful mechanical contraptions will captivate anyone who operates them—and they’ll entice the creative woodworker too, because these whirligigs are as much fun to make as to maneuver. The secret to these movable marvels: propellers and other action-filled parts made from wood or metal. Full-size schematics and drawings, plus detailed written instructions, will guide woodwokers smoothly through building, carving, and assembling such enchanting projects as Grandad’s Night Out, a wild and wonderful gadget with a handsomely dressed figure that dances on a box; the Politically Incorrect Weather House (it contains a hygrometer to measure humidity); and Mr. Muscles & Little Ms. Threemore, two exercise buffs who work out!

An expert at designing and making the wind-powered toys known as whirligigs shows how to create more than two dozen traditional and original models. Patterns include animals with spinning wings, people with waving arms, and more. Easy-to-follow instructions, detailed illustrations.

Easy-to-follow instructions and measured drawings for creating 25 charming little wind-driven toys — from the simple Baking a Pie whirligig to the Woman at the Computer to a variety of weathervanes. All are excellent woodworking projects because they're easy to do, inexpensive, and fun! For all levels of ability. 98 black-and-white illustrations.

Unlike conventional flat puzzles, this guide presents 30 interlocking patterns that stand erect and can be displayed vertically. Designed for scroll sawyers of all skill levels, this easy-to-follow guide includes patterns for numerous mammals, reptiles, birds, and household pets. Instructions on getting started and selecting the proper tools, woods, and blades accompany detailed information on how to design an animal puzzle from a photograph.

For centuries, logic puzzles have entertained, inspired and educated kids of all ages. Studies show these engaging "brain teasers" provide unsurpassed benefits to the body and mind, increasing manual dexterity, mathematical abilities and overall intellectual agility.

Crafting Wood Logic Puzzles provides plans and instructions for crafting 18 of the most popular manual puzzles. Projects range from traditional "put together/take apart" games like pentominoes and soma cubes to more sophisticated "unlocking" head-scratchers, such as the Burr and Heart Box puzzles. Readers will also learn specialized cutting, drilling, sanding, gluing and finishing techniques that make crafting wooden puzzles possible.