Blog #2

 


The first few days of my project have been very productive. My classmates and I started off our first day in a classroom setting, learning about the different types of wood, wood deformities, and how to measure wood sizes. Afterwards, we began our first project in which each of us created our own toolboxes. In doing so, we also learned how to use several power tools, such as table saws, jigsaws, and miter saws. While one of the instructors at the facility, Mr. Knight, led us through using the tools initially, he eventually let us start working alone while intermittently checking in, which was definitely confidence-building. We were essentially working on the same projects as the older apprentices at the facility, but at a much slower and guided pace.

I have definitely been surprised with how intensive carpentry is. Possibly due to the heat from the power tools and concentration required, I found myself breaking a sweat more than once. Sanding down a product after it has been put together was also very difficult. It was definitely very satisfying to see all my hard work come together in the form of the tool box though, a picture of which is attached to this blog post.

From my experience building the toolbox, I can tell that I definitely underestimated how difficult it was going to be to achieve this project’s goal of building a picnic table. Cutting the wood to precise dimensions while keeping safety in mind, nailing everything together for true structural integrity, and sanding the final product’s sharp edges down will be far from easy. However, given how quickly my group was able to pick up power tool use, and the fact that we will all be working together, I have no doubt that we will meet our ultimate goal.

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