Turning Toys with Richard Raffan

Book excerpt: Most woodturners have children in their lives who would appreciate a hand-turned toy (or several). The projects in Turning Toys can serve as a base for almost limitless variation, so you can put your own stamp on each object you create. Repetition is the key to mastering any craft, so these projects are in part skill-builders that you can repeat and thereby hone your turning techniques. You can get plenty of practice when small kids can't have too many peg dolls, balls, or things on wheels. You'll see ways of salvaging a situation when things go wrong, as they inevitably do when you have a catch or the wood splits. Disasters become design opportunities. The photos and drawings show you what to do, step-by-step; you'll see exactly how the tools are used, how the cutting edge should relate to the surface you're cutting, and how to stand to support and hold the tools so that working at your lathe is a comfortable and pleasurable activity. Few things can be more satisfying than making stuff for people you know, let alone love, especially when you can watch them using and enjoying the products of your labors. This book will bring you many happy and fruitful hours at the lathe creating heirlooms for future generations.