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The Editors Mailbox

US Marines are Woodworkers, too

Betsy Engel, contributor

12 users recommend

Courtesy of Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop

Courtesy of Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop

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I recently got an email from a Marine corporal based at Camp Pendleton in California. He wanted to get the word out about the great Arts and Crafts Hobby Shop on base. The hobby shop offers classes, among other things, in pottery, sewing and quilting, and of course woodworking. They have a large woodshop that has “most every single tool and machine…, from planers and sanders to lathes, routers, bandsaws, and even a laser-guided drill press”.

The corporal wanted people to see that “Marines do more with their time than go to Iraq and Afghanistan.” He’s seen the results of their labors in the shop including retirement and award plaques, turned bowls, baby cribs, shadow boxes and lots more. He has made a chessboard with all the pieces as well as numerous jewelry boxes.

This seems like a great deal for all the folks involved. But it made me wonder: Do all the bases have such a great program?

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Getting Started In Woodworking Season Three: Build a Walnut Nightstand

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Use wedges to edge glue thin boards

Comments (2)

ronkeene writes: Its good to see that the US does provide a creative environment for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Our military consists of some of the brightest young people in this country. Those projects reflect a lot of hard work and it doesn't surprise me that it comes out of a military environment. Nice work, Marines, and thanks for your service!
Posted: 9:25 am on May 15th

Jonathanwilliam writes: During my brief time at MCAS New River NC in 2003 there was a shop there too. I'm not sure if there was one on Lejuene. I never did check or pay attention if there was any classes but it sure was nice having something to do on your off hours. Surprising to me was that there were quite a few Marines besides myself that had the woodworking bug.

-Semper Fi-
Posted: 12:21 pm on May 8th

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