8 Wood Toys Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

When Jaeheon Yun began crafting wooden toys using his scroll saw, he transformed classic jigsaw puzzles into interlocking animal designs that are both charming and approachable. This book guides you through 56 easy-to-make patterns, each designed to be completed in about 20 minutes and ideal for beginners eager to build stackable animal puzzles like sloths, koalas, and unicorns. You’ll find detailed instructions on scroll saw basics, wood selection, and child-safe finishes, paired with full-size patterns that invite creativity and hands-on learning. If you’re looking to develop woodworking skills while creating playful, family-friendly puzzles, this book offers straightforward projects without overwhelming complexity.

Drawing from decades of woodworking expertise, Sam Martin and Roger Schroeder offer a meticulous guide to crafting vintage wooden vehicles. The book provides detailed plans and 155 step-by-step instructions for building a Peterbilt truck tractor, alongside measured drawings for classic models like the Ford Model A and 1932 Buick. You’ll learn precise scroll sawing techniques, parts assembly, and finishing touches that turn wood into heirloom-quality toys. This guide is ideal if you’re looking to deepen your woodworking skills and create enduring collectibles that blend nostalgia with craftsmanship.

This tailored exploration delves deeply into the art of wooden toy making, combining traditional craftsmanship with your individual interests and experience. It covers essential techniques from selecting quality wood to precise carving and finishing methods, while addressing design principles that bring toys to life. By focusing on your specific goals and background, this personalized book reveals pathways through complex expert knowledge, making the mastery of wood toy craft both accessible and inspiring. You engage with content that matches your skill level and desired areas, creating a uniquely relevant learning journey. The result is a comprehensive, tailored resource that supports your creative and technical growth in wooden toy design and production.

Unlike most craft books that focus on complex woodworking, this compilation from the editors of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine emphasizes accessible projects for beginner to intermediate woodworkers. You learn not only to create 35 interactive wooden toys and puzzles but also to develop foundational scroll saw skills through detailed instructions on blade selection, wood types, and finishing techniques. The book’s inclusion of full-size patterns and expert tips from industry artists like Judy Peterson ensures you gain practical know-how for crafting safe, engaging toys that delight kids and sharpen your woodworking techniques. If you want hands-on projects that grow your scroll saw confidence while producing charming, functional toys, this is a fitting guide.

David Wakefield's decades of toymaking experience led to this engaging collection of lively wooden animal projects designed for all skill levels. You’ll learn how to craft 20 different animals—from a waddling duck to a chomping crocodile—each featuring simple mechanical motions that bring the toys to life. The book offers detailed patterns and color photos that demystify the construction process, making it accessible even if you’re new to woodworking. If you enjoy hands-on crafting that merges creativity with kinetic design, this book guides you through projects that are as fun to build as they are to play with, though it’s best suited for hobbyists rather than industrial-scale makers.

Howard Clements' decades of experience with scroll saw artistry culminate in this engaging guide to crafting miniature wooden toys that move. You’ll find 15 full-size patterns, including a Ferris wheel and locomotive, alongside clear instructions that walk you through making a bulldozer, which lays the foundation for the other projects. The book also covers essential basics like materials and tools, making it accessible whether you’re clearing shop scraps or creating keepsakes. If you enjoy hands-on woodworking and want to make charming ornaments or gifts, this book offers practical, focused projects without unnecessary complexity.

This tailored book explores a month-long, focused journey into crafting wooden toys, designed specifically to match your background and goals. It reveals essential woodworking techniques and project plans that emphasize rapid progress, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with quality toy making within 30 days. The content covers selecting materials, mastering key tools, and understanding design principles to create charming, durable wooden toys. Through this personalized approach, the book focuses on your interests in fast yet skillful woodworking projects, bridging expert knowledge and your unique learning path. It examines practical steps to help you build confidence and craftsmanship efficiently, carving a meaningful woodworking experience that fits your schedule.

While working as a dedicated toy maker, Norman Marshall noticed a gap in accessible, enjoyable wooden toy designs, which led him to develop this collection of over 50 projects. You’ll learn how to craft a variety of classic toys—from pull-along animals to detailed vehicles like bulldozers and airplanes—using clear diagrams, templates, and finishing techniques emphasized in chapters on sanding, gluing, and child-safe painting. This book suits hobbyists and craftsmen who want straightforward projects that combine creativity with hands-on woodworking skills. If you seek to create enduring, handmade toys that balance simplicity and charm, this book offers practical guidance without unnecessary complexity.

Erin Freuchtel-Dearing, driven by her desire to encourage imaginative play and safety in children's toys, shares her self-taught woodworking journey in this accessible guide. You learn not only how to operate a scroll saw but also how to create 75 varied wooden toy projects, from fairytale castles to farm animals, complete with kid-safe, natural finishes using household ingredients. This book is ideal if you want hands-on, creative projects that are beginner-friendly and focus on both craftsmanship and child safety. While it suits novices eager to craft meaningful gifts, those seeking advanced woodworking techniques might find it less challenging.

After leaving the London wine trade with little prior knowledge of woodturning, Richard Raffan developed a career defined by mastering and teaching his craft. This book invites you to transform your workshop into a lively studio where you create charming wooden toys, from peg dolls to croquet sets, while sharpening your turning skills through repetition and problem-solving. Raffan shares detailed guidance on lathe techniques and tool control, supported by over 360 photos and drawings, making complex processes accessible. If you're drawn to hands-on craft and want to make heirloom-quality toys, this book offers practical projects and insights that balance skill-building with creative expression.