Woodworking Class 3

Today was the third installment of Bruce’s woodworking class series; the kids made boats. It was by far the most involved of the three projects and we were both a little worried about how it would be executed. Due to some great organization and planning on Bruce and Rob’s part, it came off without a hitch.

First, there was the usual instruction from Bruce.

Class begins

And this time a written list of the steps.

Instruction Sheet

He made a sample of what the main part of the boat would look like after the first step, which I thought was funny.

Bruce's example

He fit in a little demonstration about gluing wood. Here’s video in two parts.

There were lots of stations set up with a parent helping the kids at each one. There was gluing with Jon.

Gluing

Drilling with Allen (everyone loves the drill press).

Kai at the drill press

Sawing with Ian.

Sawing masts

Nailing/sawing with Rob.

Ruby

More nailing. (Finn’s here with Mark; lots of parents helped with this one!)

Nailing

Getting ready for nails

Of course, the hot glue gun made an appearance.

Gluing the mast

And general chaos.

Working

Ezra and Jack

Once they cut out their sails and had a grown-up help them attach it, they could decorate. Here’s Finn.

Finn's sail

Finn's sail

And here’s Ezra working on his string railing.

Ezra works on his railing

While the glue dried, we had lunch and the kids ran around, played with the hose and the trough (originally built for boat races but a little too narrow), and generally had a good time.

Dumping

Filling the trough

Dumping

Finally, in a quieter moment, Finn, Chapin and Ruby floated their boats (and themselves) in the pond.

Sailing

Sailing