Woodworking related content

Book page: 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.

Book page: Constructing an El Toro boat

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

Book page: Ezequiel Stracquadaini Guitarmaking Techniques

Ezequiel demonstrates modern Spanish guitar making techniques.

Book page: Materials, Tools and Supplies

Materials 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. 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.

Page: Photos from 2010 woodworking classes

The following photos show students from grades five through eight working on traditional Waldorf woodworking projects.

Amazon item: The American Boy's Handy Book

The tone of this book is outdated. There is a sexist emphasis on boys to the exclusion of girls that is inappropriate today. Its naive patriotism and hyper-nationalism is typical of imperialist empires during their periods of primary expansion. On the other hand, the book is filled with practical ideas from what seems to be a simpler age. It is ideal for parents and teachers who work to preserve the best of childhood--wonder, imagination, free exploration, discovery and adventure.

Book page: Tuning a guitar

Tune the high E string to the fifth fret harmonic of the low E string.      ~5 x x x x 0   Tune the G string second fret (E) to the 12th fret harmonic of the low E string.      ~12 x x 2 x x   Tune B string third fret (G) to the G string 12th fret harmonic.

Page: Woodworking classes 2010

Group: Woodworking Grade 8

In eighth grade, students begin bulding functional furniture using traditional tools and techniques. They often build a threee-legged stool, a small table, or a bench. More complex use of mallots and gauges is required in these projects, as well as a greatly expending set of other tools. Mortise and tennon joints are used to join the legs to the top.