Ep 9. Wood Toys; Retro Toasters; Laboratory Furnaces

On season 27, episode 9 of "How It's Made," viewers will get an inside look at the manufacturing process behind three very different items: wood toys, retro toasters, and laboratory furnaces.

First up are wood toys, which are still popular with children despite the rise of electronic devices. The segment starts with a design sketch, which is then turned into a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The model is then used to create a prototype using a computer-controlled cutting machine that can produce precise shapes out of wood blocks. The prototype is tested and adjusted as needed before the final product can be produced on a larger scale. The wood is planed and cut to size, and then the different pieces are glued together. The toys are then sanded down and painted with child-safe paint before being shipped out.

Next, the show takes a look at retro toasters, which have become popular with collectors and those who appreciate vintage design. The manufacturing process for these toasters is more complex than one might expect. The segment starts with the metal shell of the toaster being stamped out of a sheet of steel. The shell is then polished and coated with enamel before being baked in an oven to set the color. The internal parts of the toaster are then assembled, including the heating elements and the timer. The toaster is put together and tested to make sure it meets safety standards before being packaged and shipped out to stores.

Finally, the episode looks at laboratory furnaces, which are used in a variety of scientific applications. A furnace can reach incredibly high temperatures, up to 1700 degrees Celsius, and can be used to melt metals, create ceramics, and more. The furnace starts with a steel frame, which is then insulated with ceramic fiber to prevent heat from escaping. The heating elements are then inserted, and the furnace chamber is lined with fire bricks to protect against the extreme heat. The furnace is then wired and tested before being shipped out to labs around the world.

Overall, this episode of "How It's Made" offers a diverse look at the manufacturing process behind three very different items. Viewers will get an inside look at the design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes involved in creating wood toys, retro toasters, and laboratory furnaces.