Woodworking

Constructing an El Toro boat

Information on our El Toro boat building project can be found here.

Materials, Tools and Supplies

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Materials

  1. Wood for laminated seat, such as 3 to 4 pieces of 2x4, up to 18" in length. Can contain large knots or other variations that add character and interest. Soft woods, such as Douglas Fir or Redwood are easier for students to work., and any other soft wood work well if thick enough.
  2. Wood for legs, such as 2 pieces of straight grained 2x4 about 18" long, that can split cleanly down the middle. Wood should not contain large knots or other flaws that could weaken the stability of the legs.

Carving a wooden spoon or spatula

The sixth grade builds upon skills learned the previous year by tackling the far more difficult convex surfaces of spoons, sporks, and spatulas.

Students chose their own wood and develop a unique design that takes the inherent challenges of their wood selection into consideration.

Tools used include carving knives, gouges, mallets, chisels, clamps, vices, rasps, rittlers, and sandpaper.

The projects are finished using a natural oil and classic hand polishing techniques.

Carving a wooden bowl

Overview

The seventh grade woodworking project builds upon skills learned in previous years. The goal is apply more advanced carving and gouging skills to create a unique bowl with complimentary inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces. The bowl should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Carving a wooden egg

Class Overview

In fifth grade woodworking, we begin with a study of concave surfaces by carving an egg (much more difficult than it sounds).

Students learn to respect essential rules for shop and personal safety, and for the proper care of tools and equipment. They will learn to use a professional set of carving knifes which they must sharpen and maintain.

Explorers Tournament boat building project launched

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We've begin a new seventh grade Explorers Tournament project to build several El Toro boats. Learn more here.

Woodworking program contributors

The following individuals and organizations have made substantial contributions to our school woodworking program.

Woodworking Grade 5

For the students and parents of our fifth grade woodworking class

In fifth grade, students learn to carve an egg using a professional carving knife. If time allows, they can carve an egg stand or begin another project.