A craftsman is known for his minute detail. Jack Beursken is no exception. In fact, his craft of high detail wood toys is remarkable. His precision workmanship is likened to precision die-cast toy replicas. And the finished product utilizing a variety of complimentary wood is amazing.

Jack grew up around trucks and tractors in the northern Ohio county of Erie. Their dad was a Dutch immigrant who was familiar with woodcraft. He frequently built toys for his children. “I still have one of those original toys my dad made for me. It is very simple in design, but durable enough for workman like play. It has stood the test of time,” Jack commented.

Jack and Donna Beursken reside in the bustling community of Willard. The town was originally named Chicago Junction for the intersection of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad lines. These lines were a significant artery connecting the northeast with Chicago. It was often confused with Chicago. Subsequently, Willard was renamed in 1917 after the president of the B&O Railroad, Daniel Willard. With Willard's historic railroad activity, the town's Train Museum is a popular visitor attraction.

Avocation Turns Hobby

For 10 years, Jack drove truck for a Lorain, Ohio, construction firm. During his 34 years as a paid volunteer firefighter, he drove and operated fire trucks. His truck-driving avocation afforded Jack insight into trucks and their varied capabilities. With the inherent woodworking skills gained from his father, Jack began building model toys for his children. “I made very simple toys at first. They were a lot like my dad's, robust and durable. While I still make them for children's play, I also make shelf model units for collectors,” Jack related.

Jack builds a wide variety of children's wood play toys, including: trains, trucks, tractors and more. But his craftsmanship shows through his 1/12-scale model replicas. Whether farm tractors, trucks or construction equipment, Jack's detailed work clearly reveals the brand including the model even without a nameplate.

Jack is quick to admit that this level of achievement did not come overnight. “I started building very basic toys. As I began making more intricate pieces, I've added more details. It has become a challenge to see how far I can take those details. I now have a lot of parts moving which I didn't have with my earlier pieces. As you can imagine, wood has its limitations,” Jack noted.

Creative Stimulus

When building, the creative juices may get squeezed out over time. In Jack's case, he stays charged by attending trade shows where equipment he typically builds is on display. He will also attend craft shows to keep up with the latest tools and equipment that lend to his trade. And, he gleans ideas from trade publications. “I get some of my best ideas from customers who visit our booth. They'll often see something that jogs their memory regarding equipment they've operated and we'll discuss different features. I'll remember those chats as I am working a new piece and incorporate a special detail whenever possible,” he shared.

When displaying at local trade shows, the vast majority of Jack's work offered for sale is pre-made items. Over time, he has learned what sells. That interest is beginning to shift toward more custom requests, though. “The play toys have always held a strong interest. People like the way I keep the toys simple and strong. But, I am getting more calls for the custom toys. People remember a special tractor, truck or piece of construction equipment they operated and want that in a wood model. So I'm seeing that part of my work increase. I even had a request for a scale coffin from a local mortuary,” Jack reflected.

With time and experience, Jack has been able to turn out a variety of tires on his lathe. Depending on the equipment, you may find distinct cleats on the tractor tires, ribs on the truck tires, all-terrain surfaces on Hummer tires or cleat tracks on a backhoe. And, the wheels are affixed with axle caps or lugs, depending on the equipment.

Other details include: clutch or brake pedals, air cleaners, head lights, clearance lights, air horns, draw bars, exhaust pipes, hydraulic hoists that work, loading ramps on possum belly cattle transport trailers and more.

“My wife, Donna, is tremendous support with my work. She applies many of the finishing details, including; tying cords on the wreckers, adding the S-hooks to the wreckers along with clear coating all the finished surfaces. She also keeps countless details in order for me,” indicated Jack.

Tools & Materials

An artisan's touch is greatly enhanced with proper tools and materials. When browsing Jack's workshop you will find extensive tools, both power and hand. He commented about his woodworking equipment, “My basic tools include, ban saw, table saw and lathe. I find it necessary to keep good quality tools to get the precision details that I desire. It is also necessary to keep them sharp. Speaking of keeping them sharp, a well-supplied first aid kit is a necessity. I have used that more than I'd like to admit.”

In addition, there are many wood varieties stacked throughout the shop. Different kinds of wood incorporated into each model are a distinct feature of his craft. The various color tones sets his models apart from others. “My basic toy pieces are usually made with one kind of wood. I have had many comments about the variety of wood I work into the shelf models. It helps set the different parts of the model apart. People appreciate this aspect of my work,” Jack stated.

The most common wood used in the Beursken models is poplar. “I use a lot of poplar because it is hard, yet easy to work with. I probably use 10 different kinds of wood, altogether,” he explained. Wood has become increasingly variable. Younger trees are now being harvested; consequently the wood may be softer or have more knots. And at times, the grain may twist and turn in the case of young trees. “Finding quality wood is more difficult all the time. That is one reason I use so much poplar. It tends to have fewer blemishes,” mused Jack.

Shows and Contributions

We often wonder if craftsmanship is a dying art. Fortunately, organizations like 4-H and Boy Scouts encourage these activities. Jack had these encouraging words for the novice builder, “Start with something very basic. Then start adding more detail. Buy good quality tools. Be patient and don't give up. There are always mistakes littered throughout my scrap barrel, even after many years of building.”

In addition to exhibiting at numerous trade shows in north central Ohio, the Beurskens have been generous with their talent. They frequently donate a toy each year for silent auctions and raffles for these organizations: Harvest Happenings Festival, Sandusky, Ohio, Festival of Lights, Huron, Ohio and Partners for Sustainability Conference, Huron, Ohio.