CABINET I STUDENTS AT WORK IN THE WOOD SHOP
by Larry Dumler
How long is it?, How do I cut the biscuit holes?, Can I borrow your tape measure?, I need a pencil?, Where is the biscuit cutter?, When do we clean up?, How do I glue this?, Can I glue it up now?, Where is the pencil sharpener?, Can I go to the bathroom?, are just a few of the questions asked every day in the wood shop.
In the Wood ShopTwo weeks have passed since the Cabinet I students began working in the shop. Within those two weeks the students have made great progress. They have used the table saw, radial arm saw, jointers, and portable drills. They have learned to be accurate on their measurements or they do them over.
When they complete the project, they will have used a table saw, radial arm saw, jointer, surface planer, drill press, various portable power tools, and hand tools, the belt disc sander, and the 24” belt sander. They will have rubbed blisters on their hands by hand sanding their project. As you can see in the slideshow, they are doing several of those already.(see the icon above)
Thus far, I have been very impressed with the work ethics of the students. They really keep me hopping with answering questions and helping them on the equipment. They also are relying on each other’s help laying dimensions out and catching boards as the exit the power equipment.
By the time the semester rolls around, each student should complete the traditional wash stand I have selected as the project. This is a different type project than I usually select. Usually it is an end table or bedside table. This is more the style of an antique wash stand. As you can see by the last picture in the slideshow, the wash stand is a simple design, but yet challenging to the students.
When the students began in the shop, they selected the type of wood they wanted to use. They could chose from oak, poplar, walnut, cherry, ash, maple, birch, or mahogany. The majority chose oak.
In order for the student to be able to work, they had to do several things. They had to pass a Wood ID test with an 80% minimum. Pass a safety test with 100%. Be up to date with their homework. Have a pair of safety glasses. And have the instructor’s permission to work.
If any parent would like to watch their student work, they are welcome to come visit class.
