Thursday, August 27, 2009

Little Bundles of Joy

What is it about newly milled, neatly stacked pieces of wood that make our hearts go pitter patter?

Is it the challenge? the potential? the thrill of starting a new project? the result of an overly active, obsessive compulsive disorder?

These pretty little packages will be distributed in a handcut dovetails class I'm teaching on Saturday. They consist of an oversized top and bottom, each measuring .375" x 5.5" x 11.125"; two end pieces, measuring .625" x 3.5" x 4.875"; and two side pieces, measuring .625" x 3.5" x 11".

This is a technique class, only 5 hours long, so the students won't be able to complete a box in that amount of time. They'll finish the project at home and can choose to add the lid and bottom with their method of choice.

Tomorrow, I'm taking the day off to build one that can be knocked apart, so they can use it for reference while they're cutting their own dovetails.

I will teach them the same method I learned in a class taught by David Finck, except that he played classical music for us. I'll probably just serenade my students instead.*

*Hearing protection will be provided.

15 comments:

Ethan said...

Personally, I think the biggest challenge will be in turning pine into walnut and spalted maple!

johnjoiner said...

Whoa! Instructing now - very cool. I'll bet you learn a lot teaching others how to cut 'em. And then you'll get paid to boot. What a deal.

Gary Roberts said...

Little bundles of joy?

Kari... I think a vacation is in order.

Gary

rgdaniel said...

Nothing says "little bundles of joy" like plastic shrink-wrap...! You seem well prepared and organized, should go swimmingly...

Mark said...

Rock on with your bad self!

Mario said...

Kari, are you posting pictures.... I would really like to see that class..

Angostura Bitters said...

^^^ what Mario said. great idea for a technique class. I think in the culinary world your bundles of joy would be getting an A+ for Mise En Place

Class should be fun...Suerte!

Kari Hultman said...

Thanks, Dale!

Ethan, Alchemy of Wood 101 will be covered in the next class. ; )

John, I just hope they find the class to be worth the money.

Gary, yes. Yes, I do.

Bob, "well prepared"...I'll probably take half the contents of my shop with me to make sure I don't forget anything.

Thanks, Mark!

Mario, that's a great idea. I hadn't thought of it. I'll ask them if they mind having their photos taken.

Kari Hultman said...

Thanks, Angostura!

Sunshine said...

I think you can scratch "be detailed-oriented off your bucket list"...

Have a blast teaching Kari... you're students are some lucky people.

I can't wait for your carving in the round class!

Dave said...

Best of luck Kari! Let me know how it goes...

Megan Fitzpatrick said...

Congrats on teaching Kari! I'm eager to hear how it goes, and hope you'll post a report/pics.

Kari Hultman said...

Thanks for the votes of confidence! I'm looking forward to class and hope it goes well.

Darrel said...

I was one of those that attended the class. I have to say I learned a ton and it was a lot of fun too.

She showed us so much more than just dovetails it was like getting an extra class.

Kari, your love of hand tools and woodworking in general is absolutely infectious. Thanks again.

Kari Hultman said...

Darrel, I'm so glad you enjoyed the class—it was great to meet you. Congratulations and best of luck to you and your fiancĂ©e on your upcoming wedding. Maybe someone will buy you a set of Lie-Nielsen chisels as a wedding gift! :o)