Category Archives: Home Makerspace

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)”

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”

Home #Makerspace: The Bench Hook is a Secret Weapon for #Woodworkers

Bench hooks are portable work surfaces used to make basic woodworking tasks, such as crosscutting boards and drilling holes, easier to perform.  As a bonus, they help protect the surface of your woodworking bench from bumps and dings. In the makerspace, bench hooks can be used for numerous tasks and roles (such as a surfaceContinue reading “Home #Makerspace: The Bench Hook is a Secret Weapon for #Woodworkers”

Home #Makerspace: Halloween Pumpkin String Lights #3DPrinting #makered Project

Here’s a great “getting started” 3D printing project for young #MakerEd students. It combines rudimentary circuit knowledge, gross motor skills and safe tool use. It costs about $5 to make (excluding the cost of a 3D printer) and can be modified to fit any holiday, not just Halloween.

Home #Makerspace: Simple Kid’s Game Boards for Young Makers #Woodworking

This week, we made a quick foldable checkerboard inspired by my youngest child’s love of the game. This basic folding design can expanded and modified to play any board game. Just let your imagination run wild!

This project incorporates measuring, marking boards square, using a hand drill and hand saw, and an all natural, no-fuss stain (although it is stinky!). Super quick, super cheap and super easy for young makers between K – 3rd grade.