Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Jan 01, 2008 11:35pm | #1

   Hi jwh ,

           I would think for a starter hand tool knowledge of uses and care , a quick teach on sharpening , plane an edge of a board  show them how to cope moldings with a coping saw , so they know it can be done and you will impart skills to be used the rest of their lives . Projects are many , maybe you could offer several and take other appropriate ones as well .

        regards          dusty

2. 
   Malcolm | Jan 02, 2008 12:12am | #2

   You're in a lucky position! I'm assuming you've had a break from established teaching approaches, and can re-design a 21st Century course.

   There's a need for an entry-level 'what is woodworking' course, I reckon: the tools, the machines, the design and fabrication possibilities; the shear fun and inventiveness of working with a relatively small collection of tools, with wood.

   Back in the day, we made utilitarian things as projects: bench hooks, a shooting board, a mallet, a simple bookcase, a small table ... I wonder if there's a case for a different project focus? What would young people today enjoy making and value as objects? Not a bench hook, I'll bet!

   And while hand tools are important, as are skills like sharpening and tool care, most young woodworkers, or weekend warriors, are going to go out and buy a cheap router, a power saw, and pre-dimensioned wood. They will want to make stuff - necessary household stuff - and make it fast. So what skills do they need?

   If they get the bug, and remember the 'what is ...' course, then they may go on to buy a nice plane, and some better power gear, and recognise a need for a more developed and sophisticated skill set. I suspect that will be the teachable moment, not in class 1, basic skills, as we did back then?

   Cheers
   Malcolm

   http://www.macpherson.co.nz
3. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Jan 02, 2008 05:49am | #3

   Congratulations!! That's fantastic news. I sure wish our state's educational system would realize that students today need to learn some "trades." As a teacher with thirty-seven years in the classroom I can certainly understand the statement, "We have state standards to follow but how we meet those standards is up to us." Thanks to the politicians, states have made a mess out of education with the advent of all those "standards." They never, however, seem to be able to come up with guidelines and materials so that students can meet the standards. That being said (off soapbox) I would think that students in today's "plastic world" don't have any idea about wood and how to make something out of it. When I was in school taking the shop classes I had already had a lot of experience making things at home. Keeping things very simple and stressing safety would soom to be a place to start. I've seen reports in several of the magazines about successful high school woodworking classes. I'd suggest that you check into what others are doing. Certainly, if your school is serious about the program, they will let you visit other schools to see their programs "first hand." I wish you the best in your new venture.

4. 
   tincup57 | Jan 02, 2008 02:12pm | #4

   JWH, great for you and your students, I'm sure they will learn a lot. I will offer up my opinion as I one, didn't have a shop class in my all boys catholic school, and two, I don't hold a degree in education other than "street smarts", a polite way of saying I'm old. First things first, Safety, teach safety, even with using hand tools. This skill you are trying to teach isn't much fun if you get hurt. Your students come from a "want it now" generation, as their parents probablydo as well, so I would focus on the power side first, then expand to hand tools for those who are really interested. There are plenty of skills to learn on the proper way to machine a board, ways that I learned by trial and error. As previously suggested, go visit other shop programs to understand what to reapply fron those. Good Luck with your new program.

5. 
   SawdustSteve | Jan 02, 2008 10:53pm | #5

   Hi JWH, and welcome to the board. Where are you located (State & County), so we have a better oidea of what projects to suggest. If you're in the middle of Kansas, we don't want to suggest surf boards!.

   Basic skills... READING A RULER! Reading a set of plans/blueprints. using the basic hand tools and then basic machinery. Sharpening AND maintaining tools. Skill comes with repetition and time, so start with something small and then work up to larger items. Safety, safety, safety. Is there a local cabinet or furniture shop near you? If so, stop in and ask them what skills they expect their new hirees to know. Check with local industries to see if they need model/sample makers, amnd again what skills do they expect new hirees to know.

   You will be able to teach many skills by building a book-case. Is there a local park or 'seniors' complex that needs picnic tables?? Lots of learning skills are needed, and the end product can be put to good use. 2x6 and 2x8 lumber can be used for these items.

   Keep us informed.... SawdustSteve (retired Shop Teacher)
   Long Island, NY (E of NYC)

6. 
   jeff100 | Jan 02, 2008 11:28pm | #6

   I've read your post and the responses so far.

   What I haven't seen is anyone suggesting you teach these kids about WOOD. Grain direction, hard wood vs soft wood. Seems to me this is fundamental knowledge necessary to have in woodworking. Understanding moisture content as well. Cupping, twisting. All the shapes and forms you find in wood. Internal stresses as well and how they behave when you start cutting wood. Understanding how cutter rotation relates to grain direction with any power tool that uses a rotary cutter (routers, jointers, planers).

   Beyond that, I also agree with the others about learning how to read blueprints and scales, vernier scales especially. Digital is nice convenience, but learning to read a vernier scale used to be a fundamental skill to have.

   Nobody (to my surprise) has mentioned SAFETY either. Safe conduct and respect for the power that power tools have. No long sleeves, dangling necklaces. Don't wear gloves with power machines. Keep hair short or tied back. Eye and ear protection. These lessons are key to success (and safety) in woodworking.

   After safety...how to properly square up material should be one of the first things they learn. It was the first thing I was taught in my machinist apprenticeship 40 years ago! I know we're talking about woodworking here, but it's no different with wood. Any successful project starts out with properly prepared (squared up) material.

   Finally adhesives and finishes. How glue works, the different types of glue, and how to properly work with and apply finish to a project. Safety here again. Proper ventilation and breathing equipment.

   That should keep you busy teaching for at least a couple of quarters...congrats and enjoy...Jeff

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   Edited 1/2/2008 3:30 pm by jeff100

   
   

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   Edited 1/2/2008 3:44 pm by jeff100

1. 
   oldusty | Jan 03, 2008 08:17am | #7

      Hey Jeff ,

                The guy said he teaches Electronics and Drafting . To teach the class the properties and nature of grains and densities and all those fine points you mention would first require the instructor to posses the basic knowledge himself . That may be an unrealistic expectation , not sure  .

       Each student could   Read a copy of   " Understanding Wood " 

                dusty

1. 
   Malcolm | Jan 03, 2008 10:00am | #8

   The guy wrote that he "currently teaches electronics and drafting" from which I deduced he's a trained (or at least aspiring) wood shop teacher. The advice in this list is great. Safety, wood properties, basic skills, practical projects, new-generation power tools ... I'd love to be constructing a woodwork 101 course prescription. It's an opportunity to affect the future world-views of a cohort of kids who might otherwise never be exposed to the wonder of wood.Malcolmhttp://www.macpherson.co.nz

7. 
   Jimurock | Jan 04, 2008 02:59am | #9

   If you haven't seen it already, you might be interested in "Re-starting Woodshop" in the January issue of American Woodworker.  They're inviting further submissions in what may become a series under the rubric School News.

   Jim

8. 
   bones | Jan 04, 2008 04:12am | #10

   In my view:

   • Safety (A big dose prior to any actual shop time)
   • Math, math, math, (did I mention Math)
   • Drafting concepts (I had it on paper, but now sketcup would work)
   • Physics of wood movement (this was not well addressed in my shop class which I would have loved to have understood long before I did.)
   • The Nike principle, Just DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   Oh and Fun!

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.