Shown here at the chop saw. Cutting down boards into blocks, before they are drilled with the mounting holes for the router table. Each toy has its own mounting jigs and have different hole configurations.
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This is a computerized overhead router. Or a CNC machine (computer numerically controlled). This will cut the toys within thousands of an inch. Gary is adjusting the depths, making sure everything is in order before he turns the machinery on.
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The CNC machine uses a standard Porter Cable router, with custom made router bits, some made from diamond. Off to the side you can see the computer screen and key board.
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Charlene is busy drilling. The drill press can also be used as a drum sander with the right attachments. In the back ground is a second drill press. Charlene also does the lions share of the packaging and sealing.
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This is our youngest son Travis on the bandsaw. This picture was taken a while ago when he was 11. Not quite as proficient as his dad, but he has cut many toys out, and still has all his fingers. Travis and Scott are now out working so don't spend as much time on the toys anymore.
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This our oldest son Scott a few years ago when he was 13. He prefers the computer and has designed a project with a little help from dad. The computer on the right shows the program for designing and drawing the toys. The lap top is used to work away from home and for Scott's home work. Here Scott was working on our web page. Scott now has a real job.
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This is my father Ralph who used to do the lions share of hole drilling. In the back ground is a second drill press. We surprised him with a picture while he was working. He is now retired but still enjoys selling toys from his home in Salmon Arm.
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The routers we use are mounted under a table for safety and speed. We use multiple router tables, saving time on bit changes. This way we just use a different table for a different bit.
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Here Charlene is doing a little packaging and sealing for some of the small car carriers. Once she has packaged them, we apply heat to shrink the packaging.
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Here Charlene is hand painting the crossing stop pieces. You can also see the sides for both the 2 Car and 5 Car garages. We used to hire a toll painter to do our painting, but now Charlene is doing a great job.
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