Combine the laser with some traditional timber workmanship to create a unique fusion of modern technology and classic craftsmanship. This piece is personalised for a coin collector, showcasing intricate details that reflect their passion for numismatics. Imagine the possibilities as you envision how this technique can be adapted for various other applications, such as personalized gifts, home décor items, or bespoke furniture designs. Who knows where some creativity will lead you, as the blending of these two art forms opens doors to limitless potential and inspiration? The elegance of timber, enhanced by the precision of laser cutting, invites a world of artistic exploration and innovation.
I was going to call this my Project 2025 but I guess that’s taken now 😦
So, my plan is to get all the basic school projects I have cleaned up and simplified enough to provide students a solid starting point. Given that as educators, we know that the initial phase of any project can often be the most daunting for students. It’s crucial that we create an approachable and encouraging environment for them to thrive.
Students tend to either set their sights too high, reaching beyond their current skill levels, or choose projects that are overly simplistic, failing to challenge themselves. Our goal is to help them find that sweet spot, where they can think creatively while still pushing their boundaries and developing their design and practical skills. I don’t want to produce factory workers in my classes; rather, I aspire to nurture little designers and critical thinkers who can innovate and solve real-world problems.
By streamlining these projects, I aim to foster an environment where students feel empowered to explore their ideas, engage in collaborative discussions, and take ownership of their learning process. This foundation will not only enhance their confidence but also encourage a growth mindset, inspiring them to continue evolving as designers and thinkers long after they leave my classroom.
In essence, the vision for this initiative goes beyond merely completing assignments; it’s about cultivating a culture of creativity and exploration, where students learn the value of persistence and adaptability, setting them up for success in various future endeavors.
I recently redesigned some of my old posters for a design and technology woodwork class. The aim was to create visually engaging and informative materials that would aid students in understanding various concepts related to woodwork. The topics covered in these posters include timber joints, measurements, chamfers, bevels, housing joints, and mitre joints.
Timber joints are a crucial part of woodworking, as they determine how different pieces of wood are connected together. My posters provide detailed diagrams and explanations of each type of joint, helping students to visualize and understand their applications. Measurements are another essential aspect, and accurate measuring can make or break a project.
To bring these posters to life, I used Blender for rendering the images. And did the layout and design using Affinity Publisher, trying to organize the information in a clear manner.
If you’re interested in downloading the digital files of these posters, click the link provided. These resources can be a valuable addition to any woodworking classroom or workshop, providing both beginners and advanced learners with the knowledge they need to succeed in their projects. I hope these posters will help many students in their woodworking journey.
Just finished a few touches to a newish project for my Year 8 woodwork class. I found the basic plan a few years ago in an old Makita school resource and used it to help a casual teacher get through a tough patch last year. The students seemed to like it so I used it myself this semester and had some great results. I’ve completed the 3D model using Sketchup and placed it on the 3Dwarehouse for anyone to download, use and modify. The model contains 5 variations on the basic model just click through the scenes. I haven’t been too picky with layers, it’s all pretty basic. The majority of the work is with 19mm and 12mm stock, with a 50mm holw saw for the wheels. I’ll prepare some PDF working drawings soon so stay tuned.
Two excellent resources I found on Youtube recently that show the manufacture of several timber products. Although a little long in the tooth they make excellent resources for student and teachers covering Industrial Technology and Design and Technology.
Writing examinations, marking, reporting completing my own training, workshops, and federal elections, whew! when does it get quiet. Well now, a little. So I’ll ease myself into the whole blogasphere again with this great video for what looks like a wonderful new book ‘The Unplugged Workshop – Hand Crafted Projects for the Home‘. After having my own workshop as a cabinet maker many moons ago, with all the machinery and overheads that go with that. I now start to feel like this is where I’d love to end up. Enjoy the video, I might go order the book.
I’ve just discovered this wonderful video on Youtube that I feel I have to share.
In this era of cheap shonky tools flooding in from China, poorly designed and made without any passion in factories that pollute and exploit. Where even tradesman treat equipment like it’s meant to be disposable, cheap and nasty, because that’s all the big hardware stores sell. To know that some people still take pride in their craft gives me hope.
Woodworking for Mere Mortals is one of my favourite Youtube channels, one that all Industrial Arts teachers should regularly check out. Over the summer break (Australia) they posted this little beauty, a charging station which I think may fit in nicely with my Industrial Technology Timber Core 1 course in 2013 seeing that the iPod Classic Dock that we made earlier in the year is now out of date and not suitable for the current devices. The students will need to think about some modifications due to the heat build-up in this project which will give them the opportunity to do some research and make some design decisions of their own.
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