July 2007

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President's Corner

We can all remember our early experiences of working with wood as children. Some of us helped our dad at a young age around our houses with remodeling projects. I have many fond memories of working with mostly hand and a few power tools crafting various objects out of wood. Today most children prefer video games over working with their hands. Only a few high schools have woodworking classes, where in the past almost every junior and high school had programs. Although all of us know that our shop can be a dangerous place for children, many projects can be safely built by children using hand tools. Excellent books such as Woodworking with Your Kids: Over 30 Projects for All Ages by Richard Starr have been written to encourage children in the shop. My oldest daughter learned to use many hand tools over the years as she loved to help out in the shop. All of us occasionally need help when we glue up large projects. Children can help with this challenging task. Most of our children and grandchildren may decide to pursue interests other than woodworking as adults. However, their experiences with woodworking as children will provide them with self confidence and a deep appreciation for hand crafted furniture.




Bill Henzel

President