Rain does not deter the Inland Woodworkers!
With the threat of rain looming, the Inland Woodworkers Association held their annual toy distribution event on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The event location was originally scheduled at the Jurupa Valley Children and Family Services center, but due to weather conditions, it was relocated to Mira Loma. This year, eleven woodworkers made toys for the drive, with a total contribution of 1737 toys, and six members attended the event in person. Stay tuned for a follow-up newsletter sharing more information.
Club Secretary Michael Miller made 75 toys, including roadsters and bear chair rockers; he also provided stuffed bears to fill the seats! Michael built his cars using poplar and wheels provided by the club. He cut the cars and rocking chairs using a CNC router. He also used a table saw, shaper, and sanding equipment to complete the toys.
Chuck Petrovich made 50 toy puzzles from pine using his scroll saw. The average time per puzzle was one hour.
Ray Gonazles made 125 toys from poplar, including his popular tractors, airplanes, biplanes, boats, and antique cars. Ray cuts his toys with a scroll saw and band saw. He also custom paints them.
Mike Sullivan made 400 toys, including cars, puzzles, and games. His toys are made from poplar using a scroll saw, hand tools, and a lathe. The game boards were made using his laser burner.
Club Treasurer Phyllis Minert made 151 toys, including her popular toy cars. Her cars take about 1 hour to complete (she uses an assembly line approach). The toys are made from poplar, donated wood, and recycled lumber. She uses a scroll saw, band saw, drill press, and sanders.
Ernie Gonzalez (above right) made 100 toys from poplar and pine, including his popular tanks, jeeps, puzzles, and race cars. Ernie can make as many as 20 toys per day, using his band saw, scroll saw, and hand tools.
Rick Reimer made 30 toys from poplar, including his tractors and cars. Here he is, enjoying some down time with Kenneth’s son.
Kenneth Thomas made 100 toys, including his popular firetrucks and police cars. He uses a CNC router and a laser burner.
Tom Householder made 428 toy cars from poplar, 2x4s, mahogany, and walnut.
RJ Monsma made 198 toys, including cars and animals. This is his 2nd year participating in the event. He is happy to be back into woodworking, and enjoys giving back to the community and supporting the kids. His toys were finished with food-safe mineral oil.
In between running the Inland Woodworkers, club president Mike Trejo, was able to make 80 toys.
