Author Archives: woodshopcowboy

#Makered Book Review: Tinkerlab by Rachelle Doorley @TinkerLabKids

TinkerLab: A Hands on Guide for Little Inventors by Rachelle Doorley is a beautifully photographed and curated set of experiments for the toddler to 2nd grade set. While her main focus is art prompts and experiments, she has sections on construction, Maker explorations, take apart sessions, chemistry, and more. Rachelle’s book has given me tons of inspiration and insight into the playful mind of very young children. She walks through the process for setting up an art space, with tool & material recommendations. She also spends a lot of time and space discussing the teaching philosophy behind arts education and why its important. Her habits of mind and interviews with experts are fantastic distillations of the Maker ethos.

Home #Makerspace: #DIY Custom Kid’s Bike with #Maker Tools

Every few years, I find an excuse to engage in one of my favorite old-school projects, rebuilding and repainting a kids bicycle.

Let’s paint some flames.

I mean, dragons.  We will paint dragons.

This Week in the Shop: The Split-Top Bench with Plans

This week in my home shop I finished up a new bench project I developed for class at Nova Labs in Reston, VA. While simple in design and execution, it does involve a full suite of woodworking tools and a a custom jig to complete. This great intermediate project uses the Fab Five of a powered woodshop: table saw, band saw, miter saw, jointer and planer.

The Home #Makerspace: How To Build Your Own Pinball Machine (with Working Launcher & Flipper)

Sometimes, a teacher needs to court a little controversy.  This week, Things 1 & 2 & I build a device which was banned in New York City from the 1940s until 1976, and can be found in high quality dens of iniquity and vice, such as bowling alleys and boardwalk amusements. Pinball.  I’m talking aboutContinue reading “The Home #Makerspace: How To Build Your Own Pinball Machine (with Working Launcher & Flipper)”

Home #Makerspace: How to Saw (for Young and Beginning #Woodworkers)

I use Japanese-style saws exclusively in my classroom and home shop because I have young makers.  I love the quick bite and accuracy of a pull stroke, the low cost and high quality, but mostly, enjoy handing my saw to young apprentices and watch them succeed, no matter what their size, shape or need mightContinue reading “Home #Makerspace: How to Saw (for Young and Beginning #Woodworkers)”

#Makerspace Tour: MILL Studio at Gum Springs Library

Loudoun County Public Library system was recently rated one of the top libraries in America.  It boasts a lot of services and a great collection. I like its makerspace, the Mill Studio at Gum Springs Library. The MILL Studio is a great example of a library-based makerspace.  Focused mainly on the techy-arts continuum, MILL StudioContinue reading “#Makerspace Tour: MILL Studio at Gum Springs Library”

Home #Makerspace: A Young #Maker ‘s First Saw Kit

3 Saws and a Miter Box. A beginning woodworker needs enough equipment to make only two types of cuts; the cross cut and curve.   For cross cuts, I suggest a Japanese-style “pistol grip” carpenter’s saw for older makers, age 7 & up.  For very young makers, 4 to 7, I suggest the smaller flush-cut saw.   TheseContinue reading “Home #Makerspace: A Young #Maker ‘s First Saw Kit”

Home #Makerspace: A Small Bookshelf Using Only Hand Tools

This week we will build a small, simple shelf to practice our hand tool skills.  We will learn the rip cut and how to use the coping saw successfully.  We will assemble and hang our shelf using wood screws, the quickest fasteners around. This project can be completed in a 15 to 20-minute session byContinue reading “Home #Makerspace: A Small Bookshelf Using Only Hand Tools”