A Marvelous Toy
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”.
One of my popular products is a lazy Susan etched with an 1907 map or the Oregon Trail. If done by hand, this would take many hours. Even with the laser, because of the detail, it takes about 2 hours of laser time. Fortunately, I can be working on other projects while it runs. This allows me to multitask and be more productive.
Made for a friend who loves trains.
This was etched on plywood and framed with some weathered fence wood to mimic rail ties. He was very impressed. Nice thing is I can make more by custom order.
In 2022, I was commissioned to create a plaque to honor the Valley Panthers girls rugby team for becoming state finalists in the Girls 7’s Division. Getting an illustration of a rugby pitch and female rugby player from the internet, I was able to etch this beautiful figured maple using my marvelous toy.
