Today in the wood shop students began measuring and marking the boards they will use for the sill bases of their dog houses. Once this was done they cut boards to length and began ripping them in half. If this was a typical modern-day wood shop class we would be using band saws or table saws as our ripping tools of choice. But it isn't, and we didn't. No modern techniques being employed here- and for very good reasons. I'll never forget the day that my high school football coach talked to our team about problems in our society stemming from our fast-paced way of life. He pleaded with us to be patient and to work hard every day to get results and not give in to the temptations of temporary satisfaction. I took what he said to heart. I could identify with this weakness in myself and and it's clearly evident in my students. I strive to help my students develop more patience, increase their capacity to concentrate, control their emotions and learn to value physical work. Now I traded my pigskin in for some steel teeth and wooden handles- but the same principles apply you dig? Traditional woodworking is a great vehicle for building character. I don't really care if my kids ever work with wood again after they leave my class. Many of them will, because they like it. However, if the projects engage them and the work is challenging they will get something more lasting out of their work.
Below is a picture of one of my second year students ripping a white cedar 2 x 8 by hand on a bench that a few classmates of his built not too long ago. The bench is specially designed for ripping. It will come in handy over the next few days.
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| The smile says it all- this guy likes his work. |
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