Monday / Tuesday November 27/28

Students completed a review quiz. Students need to pass the quiz with 100% or provide complete explanations for answers that needed to be corrected before returning to machine and tool operations.

There will be other similar quizes to help students prepare for the final exam.

Students were introduced to "Ebonizing" a technique in which iron oxide and tannin is used to chemical change wood to black.

All toys are due to be completed BEFORE winter break. 

Conferences November 19-20

Introduction to Wood Construction

Jamie Zartler jzartler@pps.net

This blog:

https://woodworkinggrant.blogspot.com/

Current Machine Proficiency Requirements:

Band Saw; Miter Saw; Drill Press;

Next set required (before Winter Break):

Table Saw; Planner;

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I really like this question from Doug Stowe's blog:

"Are we not what our hands have made of us? And the challenge becomes this: Do we sit on our hands or put them in action and service to others. If we sit upon them, how do we come to a better realization of our own creative force?"

https://wisdomofhands.blogspot.com/2018/11/my-70th.html?fbclid=IwAR2hchT2xZezutSYT8yTz0tzxV5PS5LBvMsDb1eYcZhxxmBeXs5xtYbDS7w 

November 15-16

Class began with a brainstorm of things you have learned so far this quarter; make a detailed list (use your bench mates to brainstorm). We will be gone from class for a week, reviewing this list when we return may help you remember something you shouldn't forget!

Students were offered the opportunity to sign up for the Construction Project Management Build & Design Career Day hosted by Howard S. Wright Construction on December 6th. See Mr. Zartler or Ms. Kokes for more information.

Synergy is up to date with tests and demos. Please check your progress; you should be independent on the Band Saw; Drill Press; and Miter Saw.

When we return from break students will have more opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the machine sanders. 

We will begin testing on the Table Saw.

13-14 November

We are continuing work on our toys this week.

You should have passed the test on machine sanders, if you have not, study and retake.


You should  have studied the Maucks.com videos on safer table saw operations. This week you should seek an opportunity to use the table saw with Mr. Zartler's direct supervision.


You should have a toy with axel holes drilled, and a rough shape cut out by the end of the week.

6/7 November

This week we will be working to make progress on our toys.

Once your blank is made,

Production should follow this order:

1) flatten bottom (see Zartler for this)

2) Layout toy design on blank

3) Drill for wheels, etc.

4) Define shape (usually bandsaw work; maybe table saw work)

5) Refine shape (usually files; or rasps; but see Zartler for advice and tutoring)