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Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood

Patterns and instructions to create action toys with wheels that spin and pistons that pump—all designed to make movement and sound, as well as excitement and fascination. “An absolute marvel of a book. There is not a single page in the entire book that does not impart something of value to the reader and builder.”—Woodwork.

Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1991)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0806973587

ISBN-13: 978-0806973586

Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #488,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #42 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Toys & Models > Wood Toys #214 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Mechanical > Machinery #224 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Wood Crafts & Carving

This is a book filled with projects for machines that are fun to play with. Over the years I have built more than half of them. (And given them all away as Christmas presents.) The machines are unique and really fun to watch work. A relatively high level of woodworking skill is required.

I ordered this book for my dad last Christmas, and he has used all of the patterns at least once. He is constantly telling me how well-planned the book is. I'm not a woodworker, but my dad is, and he rates this book top notch!

I bought this book back in 1991 when it was new......and it set on my shelf for 17 years. In 2008, I made my first model...the wooden u-joint model. In the last few months I have made 6 more models. I have only had minor problems with a couple of patterns. The back plate patterns on a couple of models are very hard to follow...because he advocates making a jig......which is ok......except his jig is not the same size as the back plate......a minor issue.I would rate myself an advanced woodworker with a full shop of tools.......and would rate these patterns challenging....but fun. My fellow engineers at work love playing with my finished models. They also would make great presents for the grand children.

I normally would not purchase a book like this from 1991. Seeing the November 21, 2014 date, I thought it would have been revised and updated. Not so. There is no indication of any updates or revisions. The 2014 date is probably just the reprint/republication date and is misleading as used. The copyright page states it is published as an orphan work. (Orphan works are works whose copyright holders cannot be identified or found.) Therefore the author would not have made any revisions. As is, the book is somewhat outdated.There is no color in the book. The only color is the front cover. The images in the book appear to be poor black and white photocopies of color photographs. The book is not inspiring and probably not a keeper. I would call this a book club edition.

Yes there are several different "Mechanical Marvels" but except the cover, the Book is in Black & White. But not only that, the Pics looks like bad Photocopies on a cheap Copy-machine out of the 80's. For the Rest, yes all is in what you need. But you can hardly SEE whats on some Pics.

The book contains great ideas and clear instructions. I was surprised that the pictures look like fourth generation copies off a b&w printer. This doesn't hamper a project but reflects poor quality/attitude/care by those producing the book.

This book gives really detailed instructions including dimensions on making wooden mechanisms. Most of them revolve around a crank and cam of some sort, but there are plans for everything you see on the cover and 4 or 5 more projects. This is the most extensive book I have seen on the subject and it is absolutely worth the price.

The book, Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood, is perfect for someone wanting to build anything animated in wood, plastic and metal This book has many applications other than than what you see in it. These mechanisms can be used in a variety of applications.

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