FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Patterns
What does The Toymaker’s Journal sell?
The Toymaker’s Journal creates original digital woodworking patterns, plans and guides for makers. Each product listing explains exactly what is included in that particular set.
Are these physical products?
No. Unless a listing clearly states otherwise, our pattern products are digital downloads. You will receive files to download and print. No finished wooden items, printed booklets, timber, tools, or materials will be posted.
Are the designs original?
Yes. The designs, drawings, written instructions, diagrams and supporting material are authentic originals created for The Toymaker’s Journal.
Are the patterns suitable for beginners?
Many TMJ patterns are designed with beginner makers in mind, while others require more experience. Check the skill level, tools and techniques listed on each product page before purchasing.
Do I need the exact tools shown in the manual?
Not always. The manual explains the tools used to create the sample project, but experienced makers may use suitable alternatives. You are responsible for deciding whether an alternative tool, material or technique is safe and appropriate for your project.
Are materials included?
No. Timber, paint, hardware, glue, tools and other physical materials are not included unless a listing specifically says otherwise.
Are finished sizes exact?
The stated dimensions are based on the pattern and sample build. Small variations can occur due to timber thickness, sanding, cutting accuracy, printing scale, and individual construction choices.
Ordering and Access
How will I receive my files?
Your files will be provided digitally after purchase, via the delivery method shown at checkout or in your order confirmation. Follow the download link and save the files to your own device.
Do I need an account to purchase?
Any account or guest checkout requirements will be displayed during checkout. Keep the order confirmation email and use an email address you can access.
What should I do if I entered the wrong email address?
Contact The Toymaker’s Journal as soon as possible. Include your name, order number, the incorrect email address and the correct email address.
Can I download the file more than once?
Download availability can depend on the sales platform and delivery system. Save the file to your device and keep a backup copy after your first successful download.
Can you post me a printed copy?
Printed copies are not included with digital listings. Any future printed products will be listed separately and clearly identified as physical products.
Can I purchase a pattern as a gift?
You may purchase a pattern for another person, but the recipient must receive their own lawful copy and the licence applies to that recipient. Do not buy one copy and distribute it among several people.
Files and Printing
What file type will I receive?
Most pattern products are supplied as PDF files. Any additional file types will be listed clearly on the individual product page.
Are SVG, DXF, CNC or laser files included?
Only when the individual listing expressly says they are included. Do not assume a PDF pattern includes machine-ready vector or cutting files.
Can I print on A4 paper?
Check the individual product listing and the printing notes inside the pattern. Files may be prepared for A4, US Letter or both, depending on the product.
Can I print on US Letter paper?
Check the individual product listing and the printing notes inside the pattern. Where both A4 and US Letter versions are supplied, use the version that matches your paper.
Can I resize the pattern?
You may resize a pattern for your own finished project, but changing the scale can affect timber thickness, hardware, joints, stability and assembly. You are responsible for adjusting all relevant dimensions and confirming that the finished piece remains safe and suitable.
Why is my printed pattern too small or too large?
Your printer has probably applied automatic scaling. Select Actual Size or 100% scale and turn off Fit to Page, Shrink to Fit or similar settings. Print and measure the scale check before continuing.
Can I print in black and white?
Yes, provided the pattern remains clear and readable. Some photographs, colour guides or shaded diagrams may be easier to interpret in colour.
May I take the PDF to a print shop?
Yes, for the limited purpose of printing your own purchased copy. Do not authorise the print shop to retain, reproduce, sell or distribute the file.
Making the Project
Do you provide technical support?
We can help with questions about the supplied pattern, missing pages, or file access. We cannot supervise your workshop, assess your tools or materials remotely, or provide individual engineering, safety or trade advice.
Do you offer private workshop classes?
No. Not at this time.
What timber should I use?
Use the material guidance provided in the individual manual. Timber characteristics vary, so consider strength, grain, moisture content, intended use, tool suitability and finishing requirements before beginning.
Can I substitute different timber, hardware or paint?
Yes, where the substitute is suitable for the design and intended use. You are responsible for checking dimensions, compatibility, durability and safety.
Can I change the design?
You may make personal alterations to the finished item you build. You may not modify the pattern and redistribute it, sell the altered pattern, or claim the underlying TMJ design as your own.
Are the finished items automatically suitable for children?
No. A pattern alone does not make a finished item compliant with toy-safety or consumer-product requirements. Suitability depends on materials, dimensions, construction, finishing, intended use, age grading and the laws that apply where the finished item is supplied.
Who is responsible for workshop safety?
The maker is responsible for safe work practices, appropriate supervision, personal protective equipment, tool operation and compliance with local laws, regulations and manufacturer instructions.
Personal Use and Small-Maker Sales
Can I make finished items for myself or as gifts?
Yes. The pattern may be used to make finished items for personal use, genuine gifts and charitable donations under the Personal Use Agreement supplied with the pattern.
Items made solely for personal use or given as genuine gifts do not count towards a commercial licence allowance.
Can I sell finished items made from the pattern?
Not under the standard pattern purchase.
To make finished items for sale, you must purchase the separate Commercial Licence assigned to that pattern. The pattern and its matching Commercial Licence must both be purchased, and the licence must be retained with the relevant purchase receipt or receipts.
Each Commercial Licence authorises a fixed total number of finished physical items. The allowance does not renew annually.
Do I need to credit The Toymaker’s Journal when I sell a finished item?
Where practical, online listings should include:
Handmade under licence from an original pattern by The Toymaker’s Journal.
You must not claim that you designed the underlying pattern or imply that your finished pieces were made, inspected, tested or approved by The Toymaker’s Journal.
Can my employee, contractor or outside workshop make the items for me?
Finished items must be made by the licence holder or within the licence holder’s own small maker business.
The licence does not permit factory production, mass production, outsourced manufacturing or commercial production by an unrelated third party. The licence may not be transferred, assigned or sublicensed to another person or business.
Can I use CNC, laser or other automated equipment?
You may prepare files for use with equipment operated within your own small maker business, provided the files remain private and are not sold, shared or distributed.
You may not distribute the pattern as an SVG, DXF, CAD, CNC, laser-cutting or other digital production file, or send the files to an outside manufacturer or unrelated third party for production.
Can I sell the finished pieces wholesale?
A valid Commercial Licence allows finished pieces to be sold, at retail prices through approved small-maker channels, including markets, craft fairs, online marketplaces, your own website, social media and direct customer orders.
The licence does not permit mass production, factory production, outsourced manufacturing or large-scale commercial production by unrelated third parties. Larger wholesale or manufacturing arrangements require a separate written agreement from The Toymaker’s Journal.
When do I need a commercial licence?
You need a Commercial Licence before making any finished item for commercial sale.
Each pattern is assigned a licence tier based on the scale, complexity, expected retail value, and intended scarcity of the finished work. Available licences may authorise up to 100, 50, 20, 10 or 5 finished pieces, depending on the design.
Every item made for commercial sale counts towards the allowance, whether or not it is ultimately sold. Once the authorised quantity has been produced, no further items may be made for sale unless additional commercial rights are purchased.
Does the Commercial Licence include the pattern?
No. Commercial Licence listings contain the licence agreement only.
The corresponding pattern must be purchased separately before the licence can be used. The licence is valid only when retained with proof of purchase for both the nominated pattern and its matching Commercial Licence.
How do I ask about commercial licensing?
Email hello@thetoymakersjournal.com with the pattern name, expected quantity, production method, sales channels, territory and proposed timeframe.
Commercial licences are non-exclusive. The Toymaker’s Journal may limit, suspend or discontinue future commercial licensing for a design to protect the scarcity, reputation and market value of the finished work.
Copyright and Sharing
Can I share the pattern with a friend, a class, or a woodworking club?
No. Each maker must purchase or lawfully receive their own licensed copy. The pattern may not be shared by email, cloud storage, messaging apps, social media, photocopying or any other method.
Can I upload the pattern to a group or website?
No. Uploading any part of the pattern, manual, diagrams or digital files for others to access is prohibited.
Can I resell the digital pattern after I have used it?
No. The licence is personal, non-transferable and does not permit resale or redistribution of the digital files.
Can I trace or redraw the pattern and sell my version?
No. Tracing, redrawing, converting or altering the pattern does not give you ownership of the underlying TMJ design. You may not sell or distribute a copied or derivative pattern.
Can I use pattern pages or photographs in my own tutorial?
Not without written permission. You may photograph and discuss the finished item you personally made, but do not reproduce pattern pieces, diagrams, instructions, manual pages or TMJ product photographs.
Can I teach a class using the pattern?
Contact The Toymaker’s Journal before using a pattern in a paid or organised class. Each participant will generally need their own licensed copy, and an educator or class licence may be required.
Refunds, Problems and Support
Do you offer refunds for change of mind?
Because digital files can be accessed and retained immediately, we do not generally offer change-of-mind refunds once a digital product has been supplied. This does not limit any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.
What if the file is faulty, incomplete or different from the listing?
Contact us with your order number and a clear description of the problem. We will investigate and provide an appropriate remedy where required. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law cannot be excluded.
What information should I include when asking for help?
Please include your name, order number, the email address used at checkout, product name, device type, browser or PDF reader, and, where possible, a screenshot or photograph of the problem.
How do I contact The Toymaker’s Journal?
Email hello@thetoymakersjournal.com. Please allow a reasonable response time, particularly across weekends, public holidays, and Australian time zone differences.