Time-honored toy has been
fascinating children for over 100 years!
Old-fashioned toys — particularly animated ones — have been delighting children of all ages for generations . . . and these Pecking Chickens are certainly no exception! Just swing the toy in a horizontal, rotary motion and watch in amazement as each of the four chickens pecks, in order, at the seeds in the center of the paddle. This animated action, coupled with the pecking sound it makes during play, makes this toy an easy sale at craft fairs, flea markets and art shows.
If you’re making a quantity of these toys to sell (and you own a bandsaw), we recommend that you use a pad sawing technique, where you temporarily affix a stack of workpiece blanks together . . . saw out several parts at the same time . . . then separate them. Double-stick tape is the best choice for holding everything together nicely during cutting, then separating easily when you’re finished.
Step 1: Start by cutting out the paddle(s) with your bandsaw, scroll saw, sabre saw or coping saw.
Step 2: If you’re using a pad sawing technique, leave the pieces attached together while you use your drill press to bore the (8) holes in the paddle(s) according to the Paddle Layout.
Step 3: Next, separate the paddles (if you’re pad sawing more than one at a time) and use a countersink to bevel both the tops and bottoms of the 1/8-inch holes (not the 1/4-inch holes) in the paddle(s). This is done so the strings won’t snag or wear thin from rubbing on the sharp hole edges.
Step 4: Round over the sharp edges of the paddle(s) lightly with sandpaper.