My latest project may not seem like much, but it gave me a glow of satisfaction. Each year I teach a day of woodworking to my a special education class (my daughter is the teacher). This year it was 19 Autistic children 5th and 6th grade. Class is from 8:30 to 2pm with an hour lunch and two 15 minute breaks. Set up takes days. This year we made cars. Previous projects included a bird house, and a basketball toy. Don't want students to make the same thing as they stay in her class for 2 or 3 school years. This project started as dried 2x4's cut into blanks on the SS, the formed on the bandsaw. Since I could not count on the students to set the wheels, I was glad the SS drill press was precise, and all the wheel holes were cut to depth. Students sanded the rough blanks with 80grit paper, then 150grit. We talked about the grain of the wood, what part of tree, and knots. We talked about how sanding brought out the grain. While sanding each student drilled the cockpit with a brace&bit. It was my grandfathers and still works, think he used it when he was on the crew building the Empire State Building. Then headlights and tail-lights using upholstery tacks. Paint, all by themselves, and then glue the wheels. At days end their sense of accomplishment was fantastic. All the cars ran down the ramp in front of the classroom. It was a great day. Just had to share. If you ever get a chance to work with a child. Say yes. Sincerely, Gary
