I have been involved in threads here in the past about childrens woodworking programs. There have been more threads about the lack of such programs and how we should pass the craft onto younger generations. In that spirit my woodworking partner and I have been talking to our local Parks and Rec folks about setting up a hand tool woodworking program for the local youth in our area. So far we have received a very positive response. The 2 towns we have talked to want us ASAP, and an Arts Official from our closest city heard what we were trying to do through the grape vine and has shown interest though we have yet to schedule a meeting with them. These are local government organizations, and we would be insured by the towns, and they would provide space for the classes. We don’t know the quality of the space we will be offered yet. I hope that part goes well.
Now that you know roughly what is going on, I have a question for those who may have ideas that will help us… We are looking at the purchase of about $4K to $7K worth of handtools for this class. The list includes everything from drill bits, bit braces, block planes, and materials for benches and such. There’s going to be quite a few tools purchased. Does anyone/everyone out there have an idea where these tools could be purchased at a discount in a bulk purchase, or if there are organizations out there that would help support a startup of one of these kinds of programs through a grant or something? Our local Parks and Rec might kick in a few $$ too. They are going to check on that issue.
Thanks for sharing you thoughts and your time,
GRW
Replies
g,
call your local school district and enquire if any woodshops have closed. then you may be able to get things donated to your cause. i don't know about where you live, but around here, i am one of the few "wood shop" teachers left standing. last year i was invited to pick through a shut down middle school shop. many hand tools...
good luck,
eef
Eef,
Good idea. Thanks
GRW
GRW
Where in Vermont are you doing this? John White is working in a school in Vermont -he was the shop manager for FWW before moving up to his current job. He knows tools and he might have some ideas on what would work best with your group.
dan
Dan,We are outside of Burlington Vt. Kinda North Western part of the state. There are already some adult WW programs in this area. Not much for kids at this time though. GRW
GRW
This should be a rewarding activity for you and the kids. Years ago, I did a weekend program with kids 8-12. After I put together the lesson plans, I decided to start my kids with a tool box to stay organized and give the kids something to call their own during the entire program. A simple box kind of like Roy Underhills box that he carries on the Woodwright Shop. Just a thought.
dan
Thanks Dan,A tools box in one of the projects we have planned. Some of the others are hand carved picture frames, (made from one block of wood)Yo Yo's, Paddle boats, jig saw puzzles, and more. We are still looking into this project list. In fact everything is up in the air while the towns locate some classroom space. They will have no problem finding space, it's the quality and location of the space we're waiting on now. It will be a few weeks before we know.
And your right. This will be a fun job. I've done this before and enjoy it very much. I have a degree in Vocational Education. So I'm collage trained shop teacher. My partner has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and between us we have over 35 years in full time/part time/hobby woodworking.
Well I hope you get things rolling soon. Sounds like fun and it sounds like you have some local support. That's really nice. I am currently a high school teacher finishing up in a few weeks. I hope to get back to NH and Vermont this summer. I tend to wonder from Marlow(above Keene) to St Johnbury then off to Bath ME.
Good Luck
Dan,I know St J and Keene. Almost went to collage at Keene State but got recruited for sports at another school. Been to St J many times as a kid. Not so much since.
I think our program will start in January, as they are getting ready to print the Fall schedules soon and we don't even have our classroom assigned yet. They say we can start this Summer, but we won't even sign with them until they give us suitable space that works for us, and our program. Until then we are planning but not investing any $$ until we hear from them next month.
The craftsman club at sears has a club members sale for the month of May.
GRW,
How about some of the tool manufacturers, or other outlets, Lowes , HD, even local hardware stores, lumber retailers? This has worked for me in the past. OK, maybe not free ( all tho every now and then ) but most of the time at a greatly reduced price. And they get to sponsor a good thing. Maybe even a nice piece of brass with the companies name(s) right next to the entry. Again doesn't always work, but always worth looking into.
Just my 2 cents.
Bill D.
"If I can turn it into sawdust, I can handle it."
Edited 5/14/2009 2:21 pm ET by billy5151
I do such programs, but on a small scale (no more than 10 kids) and I have them work in pairs which helps limit tool requirements.
Specifically, I found that most kids can't get their arms around a brace. Mostly what we got for the trouble was bent bits.
I don't know what age kids you are aiming at, but it is really important to have stuff that's 'kid size', and maybe there are braces that are, but I didn't find any. Egg beater drills work better, tho there are limits on the whole size, of course. Also, the smaller bits have a very short half life ;-).
I've suggested this before on this very topic, the Lee Valley block plane, with the available wood knob fitted in place of the typically little brass do dad, works great. Not cheap, of course. Which reminds me, don't saddle your clientele with junk.
Would you consider putting out a letter to local trade unions and/or trade organizations? Maybe some skilled carps or other tradespeople would like to help or donate.
Your local papers should be able to run a feature article and help you get word out about your needs/goals.
Contact Stanley, Starrett, Lee Valley (I believe their headquarters are near or in New England)
or the 'big boxes'.
The worse you might hear is 'no, thank you'.
Good luck and please keep us advised of progress.
I'm not flippin' you off.........just counting cubits
And have you ALL talked about Insurance issues?
I am NOT knocking you idea.. I think it is great (AND THEN SOME) but all sorts of strange folks out there trying to make money on folks that try to do good!
Edited 5/16/2009 4:25 am by WillGeorge
Thanks to all for the ideas. I'll look into them.Will, The insurance question has been raised. I have been told by the town officials that I am covered for any and all liability associated with teaching this class. We wont start teaching until it is in writing as well. The parents also need to sign a waver of liability form. The fact that we're using town property help us out too.Thanks all.
Sorry, I always look at the 'Dark Side' of things..
I wish you the BEST and fun with the children. I am sure they will learn MORE than just woodworking!
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