Next generation of wood workers

That’s cool that will be something he remembers for a life time because he made it.

Chris, thank you for posting this. I am sure there are others that feel this story needed to be posted here as well. GOOD JOB buddy. Now that you’ve had a taste, just think what it’ll be like when you show your own kids the joy of woodworking.

Jim

-- Jim Roberts, Port Orchard Washington

way to go you both of you :-)congrat´s
now you need to show him the handtools so he can be hooked for good :-)

thanks for sharing the story
Dennis

Makes my day !
Great story and great job Chris.

-- Glen, Vernon B.C. Canada

I know the feeling. I was able to extend the use of my shop to some friends to help there son shape the car he wanted. Braxten is only 6 so his dad and I did most of the cutting. He did some sanding. Our race is Saturday I hope we all do well.

-- Chris K

I still have my Pinewood Derby car that my Dad and I made in his Basement workshop…. I sure wish My Dad and I didn’t live what, 1,200 or so miles apart… Your story brings back some fond memories. Thanks, and thanks for kindling the fire for the next generation!

-- Manufacturer of fine quality sawdust since 1984. Comments and advice on my shop welcome. Check it out at http://lumberjocks.com/dbhost/workshop. Gladly accepting shop build donations!

Awesome and good on you!

I’ve got no biological kids, but for various reasons lots of kids have ended up in my life, and a few of them in my shop. And I’m currently moving my shop out of my garage to the back yard, and want to put out a “Dan is in the shop, please come visit” sign when I’m out there.

You managed to capture both of those joys. I’m jealous.

-- Dan Lyke, Petaluma California, http://www.flutterby.net/User:DanLyke

Way Cool! That smile says it all.

-- TJ - Perryville, Missouri

Now this is one FANTASTIC story!!!! Congrats to you for taking the time and interest for this young man to be able to create this wonderful project. This will be something that he will keep for the rest of his life!

-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/

Great news! One of the greatest things we can do as woodworkers is to teach the next generation to carry on the tradition. I am glad that you let him do the work and I hope he encouraged to continue as it looks like he has a tallent already! Thank you for sharing this with us.

-- Chris Adkins, http://highrockwoodworking.com/

Way to go! Thanks for sharing a great story. One person CAN make a difference.

-- On the eighth day God was back in His woodworking shop! Lenny, East Providence, RI

Cool story…

-- Rome wasn't built in a day... but I wasn't on that job? ... http://www.southernrider.co.nz/projects/

I really enjoyed reading about his journey and your part in the safety aspect of woodworking.. well done mate.

-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ lazylarrywoodworks.com.au For lovers of all things timber...

Thank you all for the great comments. All too often we take for granted our skills, tools and creativity. We so often forget that there are plenty of people who would jump at the chance to take part in any aspect of wood working. It’s all still such a mystery to them.

It’s also really easy to hoard our shop time or be so rushed through our projects and daily lives that we miss chances to volunteer time and impart wisdom. I can tell you with 100% conviction, I can’t wait until the next young aspiring wood worker is brave enough to walk up my driveway and ask if I can help them learn the basics.

-- Measure, cut, curse, repeat.

Hi Chris.

You never stand so tall as when you stoop to help a child.

As one who spent half his adult life as an instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, I too know the joys of starting some youngster on the path. I taught model aircraft and flying scholarship (basically the ground school part of a private pilot’s license course with the goal of winning a scholarship for the whole course). Of the kids I taught, a couple of dozen went on to get their private tickets and several went on to either a career in military flying or as airline pilots. Many of the model aircraft students kept at the hobby too.

My own feeling is that we aren’t doing anyone a favor by teaching them the basics, we are just doing our duty. It is the duty we owe to the craft to pass the skills we have learned along to the next generation of craftsmen. In the old days this was done exclusively through the guild system, with masters and journeymen teaching the apprentices. While this system still exists to some extent, the crafts are no longer the sole property of the guilds and we are free to pass the knowledge and skills on to anyone who wishes to learn them. We learned from others, so we in turn have the obligation to “pay it forward”. I am happy that you have done so to this excellent young student.

After all, what other reason does LJ have for existing than to “pay it forward” to those who come here eager to learn and to be inspired?

Paul

-- The nicer the nice, the higher the price!