Folks -

Well, I'm back from the Front with my report! Whoooeeeeeee..... What a gas!
I thought I'd have 15 kids in my first class at 9:30, so I went a little
before 8 to make copies of things for them and to make additional
preparation... Turns out that somehow there were glitches in admin, so I
only had 5 students and a single class, not 15 for 3 classes... I was
nervous at first, but as soon as I started talking about woodworking I got
comfortable. I was really surprised at just how fast the time went - the
class was 90 minutes and POOF... it only seemed like a few minutes. I had a
blast, and I *think* I see a spark in a couple of the kids - it's a start.

Anyway, of the five students, the only joints that they could name were
"fattie", "blunt" and "smoked".... I can see I'll need to be more careful
of double entendres in my plans.... 3 of the students are new to WW, the
other two "Knew Everything" (I know, because they told me), but it turns out
that they hadn't actually *built* anything.... ANYTHING.... in 3 semesters
of WW Shop. One of the kids that "knew everything" was wearing SLIPPERS....
I called him on it, and his only response was that he had the "right" to be
comfortable. So, the upshot.... NO slippers in shop, comfort or not...
Jeez....

All I talked about yesterday was safety. I kept things VERY general as to
how accidents occur and the mechanics involved - describing my own very
close call last summer with Mr. Pinkie vs. Mr. Woodworker II at Mr. General
350's house.... It got their attention. One of the things that I tried to
stress is that the nature of an accident is that you CANNOT react fast
enough in a dangerous situation to prevent injury. I talked about how many
MPH the tip of a sawblade (or router bit) travels at vs. how fast a nerve
signal travels and how the sawblade tip has nerve speed beat by at least 30
mph - every time. I did a demonstration with several of the students
testing their reaction times in grabbing a dollar bill (an old bar trick,
any of you ever try it?) that was released between their fingers - not one
student could catch it... so, I think that should stick with them... at
least until they put their slippers back on and have a blunt.

Finally, we walked around the shop and I identified each tool, what its'
general purpose was in the shop and a leededle bit about how it worked.
More on that with a formal lesson later, but it was a start.

A former teacher's aide came by and gave me a quick run down on some "shop
history" - I'll have more questions, but now I know what some of the piles
of parts are all about..... One thing that is frustrating tho'.... There
are stacks of short pcs of cedar, resawn from 4/4 stock - hundreds of
pcs.... Some have very narrow grooves cut in them.... these were a big
class project from a year or two ago to build a WHOLE bunch of small boxes.
Well, that's okay, but the TA that did all of the work, really didn't pay
attention to what he was doing. All of the stock is resawn, and cut to
length, but it wasn't surfaced after it was resawn! So, I have a bunch of 4
and 6" pcs of cedar with thicknesses varying between 3/16" and 3/8" with
"resaw rash" and dadoes cut only in the front and back pcs. The TA said
that the all of the pcs "still need planing" and the sides (the 4") pcs.
still need dadoes cut. Lord! So, what the heck am I going to do with all
of this stock that would be impossible/dangerous to surface and cut? The
other thing that was a real ****er is that I found several 8 and 10/4 oak
boards, about 2' long and 8 to 10" wide.... beautiful stuff, but too
light.... until I turned them over and found that they had been used as
"practice" for drilling holes.... dozens of.....holes..... drilled in 10/4
oak planks....

There are a whole bunch of unfinished/unknown projects laying about... the
predominant theme appears to be "Biker Chic" - I have more mirror frames
with "flame - tattoo" outlines than I can shake, well, a stick at.... and
the finish of choice BAR NONE... is....... Burn it with the propane torch,
wire brush it off, and cover it with polyurethane... So, I found out what
this means is:

Got a pine jewelry box? Burn it with the propane torch, wire brush it off,
and cover it with polyurethane...
Got a cherry cutting board? Burn it with the propane torch, wire brush it
off, and cover it with polyurethane...
Got an giant mushroom labeled "shroom" scroll sawn out of QSWO? Burn it with
the propane torch, wire brush it off, and cover it with polyurethane...
Got a giant mahogany marijuana leaf? Burn it with the propane torch, wire
brush it off, and cover it with polyurethane...
Got a set of maple book ends? Burn it with the propane torch, wire brush it
off, and cover it with polyurethane...

I found the torch.... the spare bottle of propane..... made a special trip
and presented them as a gift to the maintenance dept, with a note to tell
them that woodshop didn't need them anymore and thanks!

My next class is tomorrow..... same kids.... I am going to start talking
about measuring, marking and layout. All told, I think I did okay...
so.....

I'd also like to thank ALL of you for your remarks and encouragement... I
really do appreciate the feedback from those of you that have taught and are
willing to share your insights.

More to come!

John Moorhead

"John Moorhead" wrote in
om:

Folks -

Well, I'm back from the Front with my report! Whoooeeeeeee..... What
a gas! snip

More to come!

John Moorhead


I think that you can still get a burn permit through April in your county.
Otherwise, that wood stuff should be accepted at the recycling facility.

Glad you're having fun!

Patriarch,
who doesn't think the kids sound all that unusual, or particularly
different than back in the sixities, but then, I live 15 miles from the
Peoples' Republic of Berkeley.

John Moorhead wrote:
One of the kids that "knew everything" was wearing SLIPPERS....
I called him on it, and his only response was that he had the "right" to be
comfortable. So, the upshot.... NO slippers in shop, comfort or not...


Being a little thick headed, I had to dorp a few heavy items on my feet a few
times before I learned not to work in the shop bare footed. Now I have, believe
it or not, steel toed walking shoes that look just like running shoes. New
Balance makes them...

Anyway, "accidentally" drop a hammer or something of that sort on his foot. He
will eventually catch on....



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

VE

John Moorhead said:
What a gas!
snip
There are a whole bunch of unfinished/unknown projects laying about...
snip
My next class is tomorrow..... same kids.... I am going to start talking
about measuring, marking and layout. All told, I think I did okay...
so.....

Ahh. High School!- Bringing back memories.

John, please keep us informed, I'm sure that as soon as they actually make
something worthwhile that looks good (maybe finished with a torch, wire
brush and poly), they'll become believers!

Dave



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John -

Very interesting read! Brings back lots of memories. Please try to keep us
informed as you go - it really is fascinating. You sound like you have it
gauged pretty well - now you can have some fun.


Vic

"John Moorhead" wrote in message
om...


comfortable. I was really surprised at just how fast the time went - the
class was 90 minutes and POOF... it only seemed like a few minutes. I had
a

More proof you're having fun and good at this...


I *think* I see a spark in a couple of the kids - it's a start.

To me - that's to *best* thing about teaching. Seeing the light bulb
flicker, then get brighter and brighter...


that they hadn't actually *built* anything.... ANYTHING.... in 3 semesters
of WW Shop. One of the kids that "knew everything" was wearing
SLIPPERS....
I called him on it, and his only response was that he had the "right" to
be
comfortable. So, the upshot.... NO slippers in shop, comfort or not...
Jeez....

I've got a slew of teachers in the family tree - all at somepoint get worn
down by this. The attitudes. Also known as "Kids these days!?!!?"

The hard part is not letting these kids get to you.
Concentrate your effort on those that give a darn and want to learn.

John Moorhead wrote:

Folks -

Well, I'm back from the Front with my report! Whoooeeeeeee..... What a gas!
[snip]

Congratulations on a successful first day. In the past, I taught
computer classes and seeing a glimmer of interest in even one student
makes it all worth while. Have fun with it.
mahalo,
jo4hn

"John Moorhead" wrote in message
om...
The
other thing that was a real ****er is that I found several 8 and 10/4 oak
boards, about 2' long and 8 to 10" wide.... beautiful stuff, but too
light.... until I turned them over and found that they had been used as
"practice" for drilling holes.... dozens of.....holes..... drilled in 10/4
oak planks....

They are useless. Send them to me and I'll burn them with propane,
wirebrush, coat with poly and turn into a nice substantial workbench - hole
side down.

-j

"John Moorhead" wrote in message


3 of the students are new to WW, the other two "Knew Everything" (I know,
because they told me), but it turns out that they hadn't actually *built*
anything.... ANYTHING.... in 3 semesters of WW Shop.

Glad the first day went well. Your comment here got me thinking. In three
semesters, the kid is either very bored or does not care as long as he gets
a good grade. I'd get a tool in their hands ASAP, even just to drill a hole
or bang a nail so they feel as though it is a "hands on" shop.

John Moorhead wrote:
Folks -

Well, I'm back from the Front with my report! Whoooeeeeeee..... What a gas!


grin

Welcome back, Kotter!!!


You may want to watch some reruns of that old show. There are a couple
of gems in there. (Well okay, just a couple.)


You're surely not teaching in a parochial school but there's nothing
wrong with introducing the concept of Sin with respect to the treatment
of that 10/4 hole-filled board. Particularly in this day and age.

As for the cedar bits, I dunno, you got a bandsaw and stationary belt
sander in that shop of yours? Make chess board squares out of them or
something.

And surely anything that you get these kids to build will doubtless
become a cherished heirloom with them. Do it.

And make dang sure you step (accidentally on purpose, of course) on Old
Slipper Shoes, the little twit! That'll teach him.

John

You're surely not teaching in a parochial school but there's nothing
wrong with introducing the concept of Sin with respect to the treatment
of that 10/4 hole-filled board. Particularly in this day and age.

And make dang sure you step (accidentally on purpose, of course) on Old
Slipper Shoes, the little twit! That'll teach him.


If he's not in a private school of some sort, the kids will wear what they
please. Try to ban merely highly suggestive or even openly obscene t-shirts
and find out what a hornets' nest you stir up.

Dress can be a real problem when one of the females stoops to check the cut
line at the CMS while wearing hiphuggers. I moved the router table before
some kid lost a finger....

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:

Being a little thick headed, I had to dorp a few heavy items on my feet a
few
times before I learned not to work in the shop bare footed. Now I have,

Sandals... I used to do a lot of soldering of copper sculpture stuff.

Guess what happens when a stray blob of solder lands on a sandaled foot.

Ouch.

Now I are a believer in wearing boots at least, although mine are
steel-toed.

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/
http://rosegarden.sourceforge.net/tutorial/

Silvan wrote:
Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:


Being a little thick headed, I had to dorp a few heavy items on my feet a
few
times before I learned not to work in the shop bare footed. Now I have,


Sandals... I used to do a lot of soldering of copper sculpture stuff.

Guess what happens when a stray blob of solder lands on a sandaled foot.

Ouch.

Now I are a believer in wearing boots at least, although mine are
steel-toed.


I much prefer working in sandals. Picked up that habit in the tropics.
Are you suggesting I re-think it just because of my carving tools and
the lathe? :-)

At least I added socks as a protective measure... Wonder if I can get
them in teflon - like my glove?



--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 09:09:01 -0500, the inscrutable WillR
spake:

I much prefer working in sandals. Picked up that habit in the tropics.
Are you suggesting I re-think it just because of my carving tools and
the lathe? :-)

Y'think?


At least I added socks as a protective measure... Wonder if I can get
them in teflon - like my glove?

If you meant Kevlar, the answer is "Yes!"


----------------------------------------------------------
Please return Stewardess to her original upright position.
--------------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Tagline-based T-shirts!

Larry Jaques wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 09:09:01 -0500, the inscrutable WillR
spake:
=20
=20
I much prefer working in sandals. Picked up that habit in the tropics. =

Are you suggesting I re-think it just because of my carving tools and=20
the lathe? :-)
=20
=20
Y'think?

Apparently not!

=20
=20
=20
At least I added socks as a protective measure... Wonder if I can get=20
them in teflon - like my glove?
=20
=20
If you meant Kevlar, the answer is "Yes!"
=20

If you are serious -- I will look.

Can't handle standing in shoes all day. Got in the habit of sandals=20
after a few years down south off and on - am no longer curable. Feet are =

wider...


=20
----------------------------------------------------------
Please return Stewardess to her original upright position.
--------------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Tagline-based T-shirts!


--=20
Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those=20
who have not got it.=94 George Bernard Shaw

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 14:03:44 -0500, the inscrutable WillR
spake:

Larry Jaques wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 09:09:01 -0500, the inscrutable WillR
spake:


I much prefer working in sandals. Picked up that habit in the tropics.
Are you suggesting I re-think it just because of my carving tools and
the lathe? :-)


Y'think?

Apparently not!

Indubitably.


At least I added socks as a protective measure... Wonder if I can get
them in teflon - like my glove?

If you meant Kevlar, the answer is "Yes!"

If you are serious -- I will look.

Yes, I was.
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Socks/product_88729.shtml
DAGS for "kevlar clothing". You'll be surprised.


Can't handle standing in shoes all day. Got in the habit of sandals
after a few years down south off and on - am no longer curable. Feet are
wider...

Tack kevlar cloth, perhaps from a set of sleeves, over the top of the
sandals. Instant pseudo-shoes with open, airy toes.


----------------------------------------------------------
Please return Stewardess to her original upright position.
--------------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Tagline-based T-shirts!

Larry Jaques wrote:
At least I added socks as a protective measure... Wonder if I can get=
=20
them in teflon - like my glove?

If you meant Kevlar, the answer is "Yes!"

If you are serious -- I will look.
=20
=20
Yes, I was.
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Socks/product_88729.shtml
DAGS for "kevlar clothing". You'll be surprised.
=20
=20
=20
Can't handle standing in shoes all day. Got in the habit of sandals=20
after a few years down south off and on - am no longer curable. Feet ar=
e=20
wider...
=20
=20
Tack kevlar cloth, perhaps from a set of sleeves, over the top of the
sandals. Instant pseudo-shoes with open, airy toes.
=20
=20
----------------------------------------------------------
Please return Stewardess to her original upright position.
--------------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Tagline-based T-shirts!


Uh Thanks -- I think. LOL

But probably more like...
Instant pseudo-shoes with open, hairy toes.

--=20
Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those=20
who have not got it.=94 George Bernard Shaw

In article ,
"John Moorhead" wrote:

My next class is tomorrow..... same kids.... I am going to start talking
about measuring, marking and layout. All told, I think I did okay...
so.....

Hey Mr. Borehead... I mean Moorhead, why do I havta learn this crap? I
can buy all this stuff at the Try'N'Save or Megalomart for just a
couplabucks and I don't have to get splinters or measure or plan or
think or nuthin'. What's the point anyways? I mean everything's all
about computers now anyways. All this is for old farts stuck in the past.

--
Owen Lowe
The Fly-by-Night Copper Company
____

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
Corporate States of America and to the
Republicans for which it stands, one nation,
under debt, easily divisible, with liberty
and justice for oil."
- Wiley Miller, Non Sequitur, 1/24/05