Many decades ago, Tom Paxton wrote a novelty song recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary about a Christmas present a small boy received.

The chorus:

It went "zip" when it moved and "bop" when it stopped,
And "whirr" when it stood still.
I never knew just what it was, and I guess I never will!

In 2022, I got my own “marvelous toy” in the form of a computer-controlled laser so that I can etch illustrations and text on various of my “wine related woodworking” projects.  Unlike the toy above, I do know what this toy does and how it works! It allows me to personalize items for customers.

The result is much like older days with a woodburning tool.  Age and failing eyesight have made doing this by hand impractical and such that I could not sell the products at affordable prices.  Thus, my new “toy”.

My “marvelous toy” etching a phone stand for the UFO Festival

Another example is custom award plaque for your team. This plaque was commissioned in 2022 by the coach of a girl’s rugby team that finished second in the Oregon State Fall 7’s finals.

A lazy Susan made from a wine barrel top etched with a 1907 map of the Oregon. This would take many hours by hand. With the laser it is still 2+ hours, but I am not standing there doing it.

Recently I created an image of a steam locomotive as a present for a friend who is a “train nut”. This was etched on a piece of thin plywood and framed with some weathered fence wood (I like upcycling materials that would normally be burned or trashed).  I chose the fence wood to represent railroad ties. He was very impressed. Nice thing is I can make more by custom order.