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”.

Another example is custom award plaque for your team. This plaque was commissioned in 2022 by the coach of a girl’s rugby team that finished second in the Oregon State Fall 7’s finals.

My “marvelous toy” etching a phone stand for the UFO Festival

A lazy Susan made from a wine barrel top etched with a 1907 map of the Oregon. This would take many hours by hand. With the laser it is still 2+ hours, but I am not standing there doing it.

Recently I created an image of a steam locomotive as a present for a friend who is a “train nut”. This was etched on a piece of thin plywood and framed with some weathered fence wood (I like upcycling materials that would normally be burned or trashed).  I chose the fence wood to represent railroad ties. He was very impressed. Nice thing is I can make more by custom order.