Categories
Laser-cut plywood

Miller Toys and Models

My new website – Miller Toys and Models – is up and running – thank you Bristol Web Design – and during the lockdown I have designed a further seven plywood models plus two variations and two steampunk(ish) models.  But I haven’t been able to cut any of these because if my cutters at Basically Wooden are working they are working on protective equipment, not toys.

Dredger in construction board
Part of the instructions for assembly of the dredger model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course until I cut and assemble the prototypes I can’t go any further.  There are always some errors in the design, no matter how much I check them on screen or make them in construction board.  Construction board is soft and bends easily of course and so model parts can appear to fit when in fact they don’t.

On a positive note CATO Press in Easton, Bristol is reopening soon and I will be able to do some print making.  Time to get some collagraph plates ready.

 

Categories
Toy

MixPly Self-Assembly Toys

Categories
Laser-cut plywood

Narrowboat

Narrowboat, self-assembly toy, 210mm

Another addition to the fleet, soon to be on sale with the rest at Basically Wooden – MixPly.

Categories
Laser-cut plywood

CATO ‘copter

Just foolin’ around.

Plywood helicopter with CATO Press livery
Categories
art Toy

UK Games Expo

The UK Games Expo is at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, May 31st -June 2nd, and my MixPly construction toys will be on display there at the Basically Wooden stand.

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Categories
Software

Affinity

I am using Affinity Designer to create another plywood model boat – the world needs more – and I have nothing bad to say about this £50 app. But it cannot rival the likes of Autocad (more than 10 times the price). One thing I want to do is measure irregular objects on-screen and that is proving tricky. flex_

In the physical world the flexible curve is invaluable but is there one for Windows? It doesn’t appear so, only straight line rulers are available. So, print out the shape, check the printout size matches that on screen, then measure with the flexible curve.  There must be a better way?

Categories
Toy

Plywood Toys

I went to Ross-on-Wye yesterday  where my son Luke has a lovely organic food shop, Field Fayre

Field Fayre
18-19 Broad St, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7EA

 

The town has started having a craft market on Saturdays; Field Fayre has some homemade items and I thought we might sell some of the MixPly models.  That did happen but the day was slow regarding sales.  But it was most enjoyable sitting in the Spring sunshine. I made some posters and a banner for the stall.

Four boats (more soon) and one helicopter, lots of fun assembling these toys, lots of fun playing with them.  Available here, etsy and ebay for just £12 each kit including postage, they are ideal presents for girls and boys.