Originally Posted by
Andrew Joiner
The students and the teacher need inspiration.
Of course the fact is there isn't a lot of good woodworking jobs. ............Shop class experience may not get you a good job but :
If they are looking for inspiration, the last couple of sentences won't cut it. Instead, be truthful but not negative. Inspire them to be one of those craftsmen that ARE sought out.
"Woodworking is a vocation that demands pride in detail. As your skills improve your eye for detail improves.
Pride and detail. That is what people want when they seek out a craftsman to do that special project; whether it be building a house or putting in a new door, building a fine china cabinet or making a bandsaw jewelry box.
Woodworking helps to develop those skills better than a lot of other activities. You can see the effects of your work habits both immediately and later in a project. 'That cut is kinda square', then when attempting to assemble it you wonder why it doesn't fit right. Woodworking is a great evaluator of how much pride you have in your work."
Think of the qualities that made YOU successful; relate how they show up in YOUR woodworking. Bring samples/pics of your work. Point out what you do to make it special.
Above all be passionate about woodworking. Kids, from elementary school on up can tell if you like what you're doing or not. It is darn near impossible for a student to not be interested in a topic if the teacher exudes passion. The converse is also true... Kids can tell. Smile a lot, use inflection. And as for technique, practice in front of a mirror, including emotion (maybe now a days in front of your iPad or phone would be better).
Last edited by Charlie Velasquez; 10-12-2014 at 8:43 AM.
Comments made here are my own and, according to my children, do not reflect the opinions of any other person... anywhere, anytime.