"Pete S" wrote in message
...
I just completed a project to make 50 rug loom frames from 15/16" thick
kiln dried soft maple. I ripped a bunch of 6 foot long boards to 1 1/2"
wide, then cut 43 1/2" and 24" long slats from them.
As I selected out knots, etc., I ended up with a 5 gallon pail of scraps
that were less than about 8" long and a pail of scraps that were about
one foot long to 2 feet long. All of these scraps are 15/16" X 1 1/2".
Four kids, ages 5 to 13, visited us the other day and I brought out those
scraps to see if modern kids would still be interested in something as
mundane as the blocks that I had when I was a kid.
Wow! In no time at all they were totally immersed in the blocks. They
built buildings and a race track. They were disappointed when mom said
it was time to go.
One lesson learned, though: The two oldest were boys and pretty soon
they were using the longer scraps as swords. subsequently, when our own 2
great grandchildren (boys, ages 5 and 4) arrived, I did not offer any
pieces longer than about 8". They, too dug right in without any urging at
all.

So, since all woodworkers must face similar issues with scraps, what do
you do with yours?

Pete Stanaitis

You're lucky... my kids mine my cherry and walnut inventory, cut it up
themselves, and make things out of it. That leaves me with less stock for my
projects... Of course I help them select the right rough cut boards for what
they want to make. I also supervise their use of the stationary tools (at
least that is what I tell my wife). They've been using tools since they
where in diapers, literally. We haven't had a single mishap that involved
blood despite the razor sharp hand and power tools. Careful instruction and
care go a long ways... Then again, this kind of wood inventory problem I
like to have... I can live with it. ;~)

Doug Stowe and his Wisdom of the Hands has it right! Keep up the good work!

John