Woodworking
Mr. James Hart
Room 137
Contact: jhart@westfieldnjk12.org
Woodworking I is an introductory course that exposes students to the materials, processes, techniques, tools and machines used to design and construct useful projects. Students learn through hands-on experiences how to use tools and machines safely, about how things work and should be designed so that they can apply this knowledge to a future career, a hobby or as a future homeowner.
Woodworking II builds on the skills and knowledge learned in Woodworking I. Students learn how to make decisions about the tools to be used for operations, more advanced woodworking techniques and applications, and basic tool and machine maintenance.
Classes Taught:
- Woods I & II
Woods I – Class Activities for September
During this month we are reviewing the basics of woodworking -- studying this material, wood, that we will be using for the year to create projects. We will learn how it grows, why it looks the way it does, milling procedures that create the boards we select for project use and the sizes available. We also discuss selection of wood for projects, specifically defects that we should avoid that may make work more difficult. We will also review and learn how to use basic layout tools and hand tools used to cut and shape lumber for projects.
Classes will select a project, based on criteria and learning experiences required, that will be used as the vehicle for learning woodworking techniques and procedures. We will review plans for projects and how plans are used to assist us in material selection and needs and in the processes used for fabrication.
Woods I – Class Activities for October
At this point students have selected and began cutting projects parts. We will continue to learn to use basic hand tools to shape project parts in preparation for gluing, tools used to prepare parts for further shaping, sanding techniques and begin learning how to self-critique our work to produce quality projects. Students will begin leaning to select and safely use power tools to further cut and shape project parts.
Woods I – Class Activities for November
Most students have fabricated the first few parts to their project at this point. We will continue to learn about additional machines needed to shape and form parts. At this point students may choose between hand tools and power tools for many of the operations, and need to assess their personal ability level and preference in the selection of tools or machines. We will begin discussing early finishing techniques, - sanding -, that forms the basis for obtaining a quality finish on projects. We will continue to discuss self-critique of our project parts and how to evaluate and make decisions on methods of correcting mistakes that happen. Assembly techniques and the tools and machines needed for this step are taught as the projects begin to take shape.