Billings Man Crafts Delicate Toys

Tools

By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Mar 10, 2011 at 8:27 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 11, 2011 at 4:39 PM MDT

BILLINGS - In an era when toys are continually being recalled for fear of toxic materials, some are turning to handmade toys. One local woodworker has been sharpening his skills for years.

From the simplest, to the most complex, Bob Orr has been making toys for at least ten years. "I consider some of my toys S and S. That's simple and strong. Some (are) D and D, detailed and delicate," Orr said pointing to an intricate wooden truck.

The shop Orr has wedged into his garage isn't fancy, but the toys he produces are. He's made a Hummer, a fire truck, several classic cars, and bulldozers with moving tracks made out of hundreds of pieces of wood.

A story Orr saw in the paper inspired him to take up the craft. "This guy in Laurel was making toys, so I went over to see," Orr said. "He had a little garage but he was producing magnificent toys and I said, I'm gonna try and do that."

He works for about two hours a day, creating his masterpieces. "I had a funny thing happen the other day," he said. "Somebody said, 'Boy, he must not like his wife. He spends a lot of time in the garage,' but she likes it."

Orr's wife is fond of his work, but she's not so fond of the build up of toys. He said she is encouraging Orr to sell them. The 74-year-old retiree is not looking forward to that. "I try not to sell them basically because I want it to be a hobby not a business," he said.

He starts with plans drawn on paper, then cuts, drills, and sands his pieces to perfection. "I think what I like is the people saying, 'Oh. That is really neat,'" Orr said. Some of his best work will be on display at Buchanan Capital in downtown Billings until March 25th.

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