
INTRODUCTION
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER WRITTEN TO THE AUTHOR BY A FORMER PUPIL MRS. CLYDE M. MYERS
ILLUSTRATIONS
MAKING TIN CAN TOYS - CHAPTER I Tin Cans
CHAPTER II Tools and Appliances
CHAPTER III Making a Biscuit Cutter from a Small Can
CHAPTER IV Soldering
CHAPTER V Soldering (Continued)
CHAPTER VI Cooky Cutters
CHAPTER VII Trays
Imagine taking the humble tin cans that litter kitchen cupboards and turning them into robust, moving playthings that delight children and adults alike. This guide shows how a few simple tools—solder, a bit of wire, and a little imagination—are enough to transform everyday metal into locomotives, rollers, lanterns, and more. Each project is explained in clear, step‑by‑step instructions, so even a novice can follow along without feeling overwhelmed.
Beyond the fun of building, the book highlights how making these toys can become a classroom adventure, fostering creativity, problem‑solving, and hands‑on learning for students as young as ten. It also recounts how the same techniques have brought comfort and purpose to wounded soldiers, proving that a modest tin can can spark both play and therapy.
Whether you’re a teacher, a hobbyist, or simply looking for a rewarding way to reuse scrap metal, the methods here offer durable, attractive results that feel far from “tinny.” The emphasis on safe, rounded edges and sturdy construction means the creations are as practical as they are enjoyable.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (214K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2018-04-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A teacher of decorative metalworking at Teachers College, Columbia University, he turned hands-on craft into lively, practical books for makers. His best-known work, Making Tin Can Toys, shows a playful mix of ingenuity, teaching skill, and early 20th-century workshop spirit.
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