Public School Classes

[Jeff L Headley]

As a benefit to public schools across the country we would like to offer one day classes on traditional period furniture construction from our 6th generation business. We have many period reproduction pieces to show that we have copied ( period chests, tables, desks, beds, clocks, chairs, plus many others) which come apart to show period construction. We can offer an unequaled learning experience, instead of wondering how an original piece from the 1700's and 1800's was made we can show traditional period construction techniques used on the original pieces. Classes range from 1 - 4 hours  Contact wwotsv.com   Let us show your class traditional period construction which is what this country was built upon.    

 

[klkirkman]

Jeff.

I applaud you for what you are trying to achieve. However, let me tell you how my high school shop classes jump started me in woodworking because it was hands-on, and did not involve period pieces which I would never have appreciated.

We built a pump lamp in walnut and finished it in shellac. The base was a piece of rough stock about 6 x 6 that had been thickness planed; I had to plane the edges, square it up, bevel edges and drill a hole in center; Tools and skills involved: square and scribe & hand plane, brace and bit.  The post was a rough sawn 2-inch square piece, square it up, drill a hole, saw and pare ends square. Tools and skills, square and scribe, try-square to square stock with plane, chisel, brace and bit. Top was about 3 x 3 x 1/2, Square up, and bevel edges. Pump handle was about 1/4 x 1 x 6, plane edges, carve handle with chisel, cut slot recess in upright  to house handle; similar to cutting a mortise.

This quick primer taught me to measure, layout, saw, plane, chisel and drill, all with hand tools.

This hands on experience  gave the the confidence to take on woodworking which became a life interest. I do not think that learning about period furniture  pieces would have been anywhere near as effective a kick start.

I am not saying no teaching aboput furniture making, I am saying mix in some practical hands on work so the kids go away knowing they can actually work with wood .

Karl

 

[Mark Maleski]

I've seen the demo pieces that Jeff/Steve have that can be assembled/disassembled (as have many others on this message board, I'm sure) and I'd say that middle school/high school kids would find it compelling.  Show them how a dovetail joint fits together tightly; show the hdden compartments; the mini queen anne highboy (would that make it a low highboy?).  For they really young kids you'd likely better grab their attention by dressing the part.